What is Moissanite?

Historically, jewelry was a symbol of status and was reserved for royalty. Today, it has become more widely available but still retains some of its traditional themes.

While solid gold and pure diamonds remain popular materials for jewelry, substitutes have gained popularity due in part their affordability and similar appearance when compared with their expensive counterparts.

This article provides information about moissanite, a diamond alternative, and compares it to real diamonds.

What is Moissanite?

Moissanite is a naturally occurring mineral composed of silicon carbide. Unlike commonly found cubic zirconia, some may consider it an alternative to diamonds, but it's actually quite rare.

Moissanite is a mineral that can be found in small quantities in upper mantle rock and meteorites. It can also be found as inclusions in xenoliths, kimberlite, lamproite, and other diamonds. Because moissanite is rare, lab-grown stones are an option to increase their availability with minimal environmental impact.

The cost of moissanite compared to diamonds is not always lower. Engagement rings made of natural moissanite can be just as expensive due to their durability. Obtaining a diamond simulant may prove to be a challenge.

Moissanite vs Natural Diamond

When choosing between materials for jewelry, such as for an engagement ring or everyday wear, it's important to compare and contrast them to determine the best fit for you.

Cost

Diamonds are known to be expensive, particularly when purchasing larger stones that make a statement, despite being a popular choice among women.

Diamond prices can be high, whether natural or lab-grown. Lab-created diamonds can cost less but still range in the double digits depending on size and color. As carat weight increases, so does the price.

Moissanite provides a cost-effective alternative to mined diamonds, as it is only a fraction of the cost but still offers comparable size and quality. Colorless diamonds with a high clarity grade are often out of reach for many individuals.

Moissanites are readily available and can be a great gift for occasions like Valentine's Day or a proposal. Purchasing moissanites for personal use can also be enjoyable.

Appearance

Moissanite and real diamonds differ in their appearance, particularly in terms of brilliance which pertains to their ability to reflect white light. Surprisingly, moissanite may even exhibit higher brilliance than diamonds.

Moissanite's double refraction is a result of its unique cut, which enhances its sparkle and creates a rainbow-like reflection when exposed to light. In comparison, diamonds with a good cut tend to have a white reflection.

Choosing between diamonds and moissanite comes down to personal preference. Diamonds provide a classic, pristine look with a white reflection, while moissanite offers a bit of a pop.

Moissanite may have a yellow or greenish tint, which may not look as flawless as a diamond. Diamonds come in a variety of colors depending on their clarity, ranging from yellow to blue, green to red, or completely colorless.

Distinguishing between moissanite and diamond can be difficult for many people, requiring either a magnifying glass or a strong understanding of the differences between the two.

Durability

Fine jewelry can last a lifetime with proper care, but regular use can cause wear and tear that may affect the appearance of diamonds or gold chains and pendants.

Diamonds have a high level of durability, scoring a 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness, making them the hardest material in the gem world. This results in pure diamond jewelry being highly resistant to scratches, knicks, and breaks.

Moissanite has a hardness rating of 9.25 to 9.5 on the hardness scale, making it second only to diamond. The slight difference between the two is hardly perceptible, and everyday wear should not cause either to break, unless subjected to extreme pressure.

Moissanite vs. Cubic Zirconia

Moissanite and cubic zirconia are popular diamond substitutes that offer affordable options for jewelry. Moissanite is generally considered to be of higher quality and more durable than CZ.

Moissanite has a higher refractive index than CZ crystals, resulting in a more shimmering appearance that resembles real diamonds. It is also 300% tougher and harder than CZ, which makes it highly resistant to scratches and breaks.

CZ is a cost-effective diamond alternative that is even less expensive than moissanite crystals. It is a good option if you want to add multiple pieces of jewelry to your collection without spending a lot of money. The 19mm Diamond Prong Cuban Bracelet White Gold is a bold accessory that won't strain your budget.

Due to its low cost, some jewelers may decline to make alterations or repairs to cubic zirconia jewelry since the cost of the modifications may exceed the value of the item. It is recommended to purchase jewelry from reputable jewelers.

The Icetruck sells hip-hop jewelry with a 1-Year Guarantee. If a piece breaks due to normal wear and tear, we will assist you in resolving the issue.

Our jewelry collection includes a variety of options, ranging from real diamonds to Moissanite and CZ alternatives.

Which Stone takes the Stage?

Moissanite is a gemstone that has similar durability and brilliance to a real diamond, but is significantly less expensive, making it a popular choice for those interested in enhancing their jewelry collection.

When it comes to jewelry, there is no practical reason to overspend if your goal is to enhance your appearance. Consider diamond alternatives like Moissanite, which can help achieve the desired look without breaking the bank.