What is Moissanite?

Written By Allie Perry February 15, 2025

You may have heard of Moissanite as a more affordable alternative to diamonds. With its exceptional brilliance, affordability, and ethical sourcing, Moissanite has become a popular choice for engagement rings and fine jewelry. But what exactly is it, and how does it compare to a diamond? I’ll tell you!

What Does Moissanite Look Like?

Moissanite’s clear and colorless appearance makes it look like a diamond. It actually looks so much like a diamond that many people can’t tell the two apart. But if you look a little closer, you’ll see Moissanite seems to have a sparkle that’s often more intense than a diamond’s. This is due to a higher refractive index which allows it to bend light in a way that creates more brilliance and colorful flashes- a quality characteristic known as “fire”.

Where Does Moissanite Come From?

The short answer is space! The longer answer is that Moissanite was first discovered in 1893 by French scientist Henri Moissan while examining rock samples from a meteor crater in Arizona. Initially, he thought he had found diamonds, but later realized he’d discovered an entirely new mineral composed of silicon carbide.

Natural Moissanite is incredibly rare, so all Moissanite used in jewelry today is lab-created.

How Is Moissanite Produced Today?

Moissanite on the market today is lab-grown using high-temperature, high-pressure (HPHT) or chemical vapor deposition (CVD) techniques. These methods allow scientists to create Moissanite crystals that are nearly flawless, free from many of the imperfections found in natural gemstones, and nearly indistinguishable from their natural counterparts.

Lab-grown Moissanite is a more eco-friendly and ethical alternative to diamonds, since it doesn’t require mining and avoids the ethical concerns associated with the diamond industry.

How Does Moissanite Compare to Diamonds?

While Moissanite and diamonds appear similar, they differ in several key aspects:

• Brilliance and Fire: Moissanite exhibits a higher refractive index than diamonds, resulting in more intense sparkle and colorful flashes.
• Hardness: On the Mohs scale, Moissanite ranks at 9.25, making it highly durable, though slightly less hard than diamonds, which rank at 10.
• Cost: Moissanite is generally more affordable than diamonds, offering a budget-friendly alternative without compromising on appearance.

How Do I Tell the Difference Between Moissanite and Diamond?

The best way to know for sure is to have the stone tested by a reputable jeweler or gemologist. But there are several ways to differentiate Moissanite from a diamond:

• Brilliance & Fire: You already know Moissanite has more fire (colorful flashes) and a different type of sparkle compared to a diamond. It emits a rainbow-like shimmer, especially under bright light. (This can be hard for you to recognize as a consumer, particularly if you’ve never seem a Moissanite, or you don’t have a high quality diamond to make a side-by-side comparison.)
• Refractive Index: Moissanite has a higher refractive index (2.65-2.69) than diamonds (2.42), making it appear even more brilliant. 
• Double Refraction: Moissanite exhibits double refraction, meaning that when light passes through it, it splits in two. This effect is visible under magnification and is a key indicator that a gemstone is Moissanite.
• Electrical Conductivity: Moissanite conducts electricity, unlike diamonds. Some diamond testers can detect this difference.
• Price & Size: If a gemstone is unusually large and has a relatively low price, it is more likely Moissanite rather than a diamond.

The most important thing about stone testing is making sure the stone you’re testing is clean. Foreign contaminants on the surface of a stone can affect the reliability of the reading.

Moissanite’s Body Color and Clarity

When labs were first creating Moissanite, a trained eye could instantly recognize them for their slightly yellow body color. But as science and technology have improved, so has the ability to create high-quality Moissanite that's generally colorless or near-colorless, similar to a G-H graded diamond. Still, some lower-quality Moissanite may have a slight yellow or green tint.

In terms of clarity, lab-created Moissanite is typically produced with minimal inclusions. While natural diamonds often have visible inclusions, Moissanite is created under controlled conditions, resulting in a cleaner, more flawless appearance.

You may be wondering whether these lab-grown stones will ever change color over time, and the answer is no. High-quality Moissanite is designed to remain colorless and retain its brilliance indefinitely. But, like all gemstones, if you want your stones to keep looking brilliant and sparkly, you have to keep them clean! Oils and dirt can temporarily dull the appearance or any stone, but the difference between a clean stone and a dirty stone is most evident in clear gemstones.

Is Moissanite Right for You?

That’s a question only you can answer. Moissanite is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a extra sparkly, ethically-sourced, and budget-friendly alternative to diamonds. And the beautiful look and high durability make it great for every-day wear.

But if you’d prefer a naturally-mined stone that’s stood the test of time, a diamond is the way to go.

Not matter what stone you choose, just remember to keep it clean and stick to a regular maintenance schedule so you can enjoy it for years!

I don’t often stock Moissanite jewelry, but if you’re looking to have a custom piece made, reach out to me at info@allieperrydesigns.com!