The Difference between a Natural Diamond and Moissanite
The discussion about moissanite and diamond continues to win the attention of many in our world today. Every gemstone enthusiast is asking, Moissanite vs. diamond: what are the key differences? It has become a very important subject today especially because of the close resemblance between these gemstones. Anyone new to them may find challenges differentiating between them.
We all know diamonds. They have been around from ancient times of civilization to this day. Considered as the hardest substances on earth, diamonds have found major use and application in various industries. However, they are commonly associated with the jewelry industry, which is indeed flooded with many other stones such as moissanite.
What is Moissanite?
Moissanite is a lab-grown gemstone. Henri Moissan, a French scientist first discovered it in 1893 out of his meteorite study. Continued lab tests found this precious stone to be Silicon Carbide (SiC). This discovery was a huge one that led to the mass production of the stone in the laboratories.
Today, manufacturers make moissanite in the laboratory. As a result, the stone has increased in supply hence competing much better than a diamond in the market in terms of value and price.
Moissanite vs Diamond Characteristics
Now that these gemstones are not similar, it is important to know what makes them different from each other. Here are important characteristics to learn about moissanite and diamond.
- Material composition
Diamond is mainly made of carbon. However, moissanite is Silicon Carbide (SiC). These key substances in them are responsible for the physical and chemical properties of moissanite and diamond. Again, the chemical substances in them define their main differences. For instance, moissanite weighs less than diamonds hence is good for making lightweight jewelry.
- Availability and cost
There are many people manufacturing moissanite today. Therefore, it is much more available than diamond. Dealers have refined the process of making moissanite over the years with increased capacity. For that reason, moissanite prices and the edelstein armband are lower than those of diamonds. Dealers mine diamonds from the earth’s crust. Therefore, it is still scarce and expensive in the market.
- Harness and durability
Moissanite scores 9.25 on the Mohs scale of hardness. This value is close to that of a diamond. However, with improved manufacturing methods, moissanite can beat the hardness of diamond. All the same, moissanite is more scratch-resistant than diamond. For that reason, it will last much longer compared to diamond. Therefore, this is important consideration to consider moissanite in your purchase.
- Fire and Brilliance
Gemstones’ refractive index value determines their ability to shine. In this case, moissanite has a higher refractive index than diamond. As a result, it has more fire and brilliance than a diamond. This is due to the way the stone is cut. Cutting moissanite is easy and therefore, dealers work around it to produce perfect shapes with a great shine.
- Heat Resistance
You can wear moissanite in harsh weather conditions and it will still survive high temperatures without undergoing damage. However, you will need to be extra careful with diamonds. You need to protect it all the time against adverse weather conditions to serve you for a long time.
- Ethical Aspects
We obtain a diamond from the earth’s crust. Therefore, mining goes on in our environment and forests leaving them devastated. More than that, it is responsible for conflicts in communities. On the other hand, moissanite is lab-grown and that makes it free from any form of conflict. Therefore, it is more ethical to buy Moissanite over diamond.
- Shapes and sizes
Diamond comes in limited shapes and sizes. However, for moissanite that you can make in the laboratory, there is variety. You can obtain different shapes and sizes of this stone and fashion it into different designs and styles.
- Health consideration
Some gemstones pose a health hazard, especially to people with allergies. Unlike diamond, moissanite is hypoallergenic and that means it is safe for wear for anyone with health concerns.
If you have not learned the differences between Moissanite and diamond, you can easily confuse them. These two have a close resemblance. However, they are different. Some people have bought moissanite thinking it is diamond. In that case, it is important to note that moissanite is not diamond. The characteristics highlighted here make them different.
