Moissanite is a stunning gemstone known for its exceptional brilliance and fire, often surpassing that of diamonds. As a durable and affordable alternative, moissanite offers a captivating sparkle and beauty, making it a popular choice for fine jewelry.

What is Moissanite?

Moissanite's origins can be traced back to particles from a meteorite that smashed into the Arizona desert about 50,000 years ago.

Dr. Henri Moissan, a French scientist and Nobel Prize winner, found meteor crater samples in 1893. The amazing glitter of the geological samples was a revelation, which Dr Moissan identified as a new mineral, Silicon Carbide. Moissanite, a mineral type of silicon carbide, was named after Dr. Moissan.


Moissanite in its natural form is too scarce and tiny to be used in jewellery. However, one century later, because to a mix of science, technology, and expert gem cutting, Moissanite became available for beautiful jewelry.

Moissanite has grown in popularity among jewelry enthusiasts worldwide over the last 20 years.

  • Mining Free

    Moissanite is lab created with minimal environmental impact.

  • Value

    Moissanite is less expensive per carat than many other gemstones.

  • Durability

    Moissanite is a 9.25 on the Mohs scale of hardness, so they’re suitable for everyday wear.

IS MOISSANITE A DIAMOND?

Moissanite and diamonds are distinct from each other, though they may appear similar at first glance. Moissanites are lab-cultivated and composed of silicon carbide, whereas diamonds are naturally occurring and made of carbon.

One notable difference is moissanite's higher refractive index, which creates more rainbow-like "fire" when light strikes its surface, compared to a diamond. While diamonds are harder, with a Mohs hardness of 10, moissanites have a slightly lower hardness of 9.25.

Despite both gemstones exhibiting dispersion, scintillation, and excellent thermal conductivity, their compositions and physical properties set them apart.

HOW TO TELL A MOISSANITE FROM A DIAMOND?

It can be challenging to distinguish between moissanite and diamond if you are not trained in this area.
The best method to determine the difference is to examine two gemstones of comparable sizes—a moissanite and a diamond—side by side. A diamond's characteristic glitter results from a special fusion of scintillation, reflected light, and colors that refract through it. In addition to showing scintillation, color refraction, and light reflection, moissanite has more than twice as much "fire" (i.e., more powerful rainbow light flashes) as diamonds. The most effective method for rapidly differentiating moissanite from diamond is the 'disco ball' effect, which is more pronounced in moissanite with higher carat weights.

Take it to a qualified professional to get an official confirmation of the distinction between a moissanite and a diamond. They can confirm if your stone is a moissanite or a diamond by using a loupe to look at the "doubling" of opposing facet junctions.

Comparison Guide

MOISSANITE VS. DIAMOND

  • Moissanite

    Brilliance & Fire: Moissanite has a higher Refractive Index of 2.65 – 2.69, resulting in more brilliance. It also has better fire dispersion than diamond, creating sparkle that exhibits rainbow-like flashes of color.

    Durability: Moissanite ranks at 9.25 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness, making them well-suited for everyday wear.

    Color: Moissanite is available in near-colorless or colorless range options, and are priced accordingly.

  • Natural Diamonds

    Brilliance & Fire: Diamond has a slightly lower refractive index of 2.42, resulting in less brilliance. It also has lesser fire than moissanite, resulting in whiter sparkle that exhibits fewer rainbow-like flashes of color.

    Durability: Diamond is the hardest material on earth, ranking at 10 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness.

    Color: White diamonds range from lightly colored to colorless, and are priced accordingly.

Tips on Selecting a Moissanite

When considering moissanite as a gemstone option, it's essential to understand its distinct characteristics compared to other gems. Unlike diamonds, which undergo comprehensive grading encompassing cut, color, clarity, and carat by independent institutions, moissanites are primarily assessed for their cut, color, and clarity.

At Poet Robson, a notable jeweler, moissanites receive further categorization based on color, with Premium and Super Premium classifications. Premium moissanites resemble G-H color diamonds, while Super Premium ones are akin to diamonds falling within the D-E-F range. Notably, due to advanced manufacturing techniques, moissanites exhibit minimal quality variation.

When contemplating moissanite for your jewelry needs, it's crucial to weigh its unique attributes such as fire, scintillation, affordability, and durability against those of diamonds. This comparison will help you determine whether moissanite aligns with your preferences and requirements for an exquisite gemstone.

Moissanite FAQ's

Is moissanite worth buying?

Moissanite is a brilliant choice for those seeking an alternative to a lab diamond engagement ring. It offers the same level of clarity and is graded by Australia-based Radiant Beauty to ensure top quality, just like our lab grown diamond collections.

Can moissanite pass diamond tester?

Yes. Due to its similar properties to diamonds (both lab grown and mined or natural diamond rings), moissanite can pass a diamond tester. However, our specialised equipment can distinguish between moissanite and diamonds, ensuring you know exactly what you're purchasing.

Is moissanite the best fake diamond?

Moissanite is not a fake diamond but a gemstone that offers stunning lab grown beauty. It's perfect for those looking for the same level of sparkle and clarity found in diamonds, but at a more accessible price point.

Are moissanite rings tacky?

Absolutely not! Due to its diamond-like appearance, many people believe the misconception that moissanite is a fake diamond when it is in fact a high quality, beautiful gemstone in its own right. Moissanite is becoming an increasingly popular choice of stone in engagement rings due to its dazzling beauty, durability, ease of customisation and affordability.

Do moissanite rings look fake?

No, moissanite rings are crafted to exhibit a sparkle that, to the naked eye, is akin to that of diamonds. They offer timeless beauty and are an aesthetically identical choice for those who admire the appearance of mined diamonds.

Does moissanite lose its sparkle?

Moissanite retains its sparkle indefinitely, much like our lab grown and rings. Its clarity and carat weight remain intact, ensuring a lifetime of brilliance.