Moissanite vs. Lab-Grown Diamond
Know the Difference Before You Buy
✦ 1. Origin
Moissanite:
Originally discovered in a meteor crater, today's moissanite is created in a lab.
Lab-Grown Diamond:
Grown in a lab using advanced technology, but chemically identical to natural diamonds.
✦ 2. Composition
Moissanite:
Made of silicon carbide (SiC) – a completely different material from diamond.
Lab-Grown Diamond:
Pure carbon crystal, just like natural diamonds. Same chemical, optical, and physical properties.
✦ 3. Brilliance & Sparkle
Moissanite:
Displays a rainbow-like “disco-ball” sparkle due to its high refractive index (2.65). Some people find it too flashy.
Lab-Grown Diamond:
Exhibits natural diamond brilliance and fire, offering an elegant and timeless sparkle.
✦ 4. Hardness
Moissanite:
9.25 on the Mohs scale — very durable, but softer than a diamond.
Lab-Grown Diamond:
10 on the Mohs scale — the hardest known natural material.
✦ 5. Long-Term Appearance
Moissanite:
Over time, moissanite may become cloudy or develop a hazy appearance , especially when exposed to household chemicals or hard water. It can also appear more “white” or gray under certain lighting, which some customers find less diamond-like.
Lab-Grown Diamond:
Will never turn cloudy or change appearance. It stays clear and brilliant just like a natural diamond over a lifetime.
✦ 6. Certification
Moissanite:
Usually doesn't come with diamond grading certificates.
Lab-Grown Diamond:
Often comes with IGI or GIA certification, just like mined diamonds.
