Moissanite vs Diamond

Moissanite is a mineral that occurs naturally. However, it is incredibly rare and too small to process. Therefore, commercially available moissanite is grown in laboratories.

Silicon and carbon are formed into a sparkling gemstone through a complex process. This is done by exposing the two raw materials to heat and very high pressure.

This causes the raw materials to evaporate and mix with each other. Eventually the whole thing cools down and a rough moissanite stone is formed. At this time, the mineral can be cut into a sublime gemstone.

Even though diamonds are the most popular gemstone in the world many people are still looking for affordable and ethical alternatives, such as moissanite.

You would think that the price difference would have to do with a difference in quality. However, nothing could be further from the truth. Diamonds are very expensive compared to moissanite which is much more affordable. In fact, an average diamond is moderately cut with, in addition, many imperfections.

On the other hand, a moissanite is nowadays almost always of excellent quality in both cut, color, and impurities. This is because all commercially available moissanites are grown in the lab. This allows us to grow the ideal gemstone under perfect conditions.

In fact, experts (jewelers and goldsmiths) can often barely, if at all, tell the differences between diamond and moissanite! 

With hardness and durability on the Mohs hardness scale. Diamond ranks number one with a score of 10, but moissanite follows diamond closely with scores as high as 9.25 to 9.5. This makes moissanite the second-hardest gemstone in the world (after diamond).

In other words, moissanite and diamond are both extremely hard. Only a diamond or other moissanite can scratch a moissanite stone.

Moissanite lasts as long and stays as beautiful as a diamond. It does not become dull over time (like zirconium) and retains its brilliance.

Moissanite is therefore just as suitable for showing your ‘eternal love’ to him or her.

Diamonds have tremendous refraction (also called dispersion or brilliance).

A perfectly cut diamond refracts the light in lanes that sparkle in all directions. This sparkle is what makes a diamond so beautiful and sought after. But moissanite also has a strong sparkle! In fact, moissanite sparkles more than diamond.

It is almost impossible to see a color difference between colorless diamonds and moissanite stones.

Although both gemstones can be purchased in a variety of colors, the colorless varieties are typically the most sought after. However, colorless diamonds are incredibly expensive, so most people still choose a diamond with a brown or dark haze.

One of the ways moissanite differs significantly from diamond is from an ethical perspective.

The diamond trade has been under fire for decades for its typically unethical practices.

Since the 1990s, diamonds have been traded in Africa by rebel groups, financing their domination, wars and often inhumane activities.

The suffering and violence this brought caused the familiar term we all know by now: blood diamonds, also known as conflict diamonds.

The United Nations then set up the Kimberly Process. This was a way to verify that diamonds had been won legitimately. But several human rights organizations note that little has changed in the situation.

Moreover, in African countries, among others, diamond mining still causes unsafe working conditions, racism and a devastating impact on the surrounding nature. It seems impossible to completely eliminate blood diamonds. Therefore, many believe it is important that as many people as possible begin to choose alternatives that are ethical, such as moissanite, zirconium, or white sapphire.

When getting engaged it may sound crazy at first glance, but upon further consideration, most couples even prefer a moissanite engagement ring.

The reason? Moissanite is much more affordable, just as beautiful (if not more beautiful) than diamond, and besides, moissanite is the much more ethical choice because of the “blood diamond” situation in Africa.

So save yourself thousands of dollars by buying a moissanite engagement ring instead of diamonds, and invest your extra budget, for example in your honeymoon or wedding!

Either way, whatever decision you make in the diamond vs moissanite debate is personal. You should choose an engagement ring that fits your style, budget and personal preference.

References

My Moissanite. (2024) Moissanite vs Diamond: What’s The difference? https://mymoissanite.eu/blog/moissanite-vs-diamond

M. Ryan. (2024) Moissanite vs. Diamond: Which Is The Best Engagement Ring? https://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/earth/geology/moissanite-vs-diamond.htm