Moissanite vs Diamond: The Ultimate Guide
Contents
Moissanite and diamonds are two of the most popular gemstones in the world. Both have unique qualities that make them special. So, which one is better: Moissanite or diamond? In this article, we'll compare Moissanite vs. diamond in terms of price, color, durability, brilliance, hardness, and clarity.
What is Moissanite?
Moissanite is a naturally occurring mineral, silicon carbide, first discovered in a meteor crater in Arizona in 1893. It is now created in a lab and is used as a diamond alternative in jewelry. Moissanite is known for its brilliance and fire, which is why it is often used as a diamond substitute. It is much less expensive than diamonds, making it an attractive option for those on a budget. Moissanite is also renowned for its rainbow-like sparkle that is different from the traditional white sparkle of diamonds.
What is a Diamond?
A diamond is a naturally occurring mineral, carbon, formed deep within the Earth’s mantle. It is the hardest known natural material and is often used in jewelry due to its beauty and durability. Diamonds have been associated with wealth and luxury for centuries, making them the traditional choice for engagement rings and other jewelry. Diamonds also have a classic white sparkle that is iconic and well recognized.
Moissanite vs Diamond Side by Side
How Do Moissanite and Diamonds Compare?
Moissanite and diamonds have many similarities, but there are also some key differences. Both are extremely hard and durable, but moissanite is slightly less hard than a diamond. This means that moissanite is more prone to scratches and chips than a diamond. Moissanite is also more brilliant and has more fire than a diamond, which makes it sparkle more.
Moissanite vs. Diamonds: Appearance
When it comes to appearance, moissanite and diamonds are beautiful and sparkly. However, moissanite has a slightly different look than a diamond. Moissanite has a rainbow-like sparkle, while diamonds have a classic white sparkle. Some people prefer the classic look of diamonds, while others like the unique look of moissanite. Ultimately, it is up to the individual to decide which gemstone looks better.
Moissanite vs. Diamond: Price
Regarding price, Moissanite is a more affordable option than diamonds. Moissanite ranges in price from $200 to $800 per carat, while diamonds range in price from $2,000 to $30,000 per carat. So, Moissanite is a more cost-effective option for those on a budget.
Because Moissanite is considerably cheaper than diamonds, it allows people to get a large-carat white gemstone without spending as much money. Moissanite is an excellent option for those seeking high quality without a high price tag.
Moissanite vs. Diamond: Color
It's a common misconception that diamonds are always white or colorless. Diamonds come in a diverse range of colors, ranging from a vibrant canary yellow to a delicate rose quartz pink. The presence of impurities or trace elements in the stone determines the color of a diamond. For example, blue diamonds get their color from traces of boron, while green diamonds owe their hue to radiation exposure. However, diamonds aren't the only stones that come in a rainbow of colors.
Moissanite is also available in various hues, from the traditional yellowish-green to colorless. Thanks to advances in the manufacturing process, it's now possible to find high-quality moissanite completely colorless. So, whether you're looking for a classic white diamond or something with a little more personality, there's sure to be a stone that meets your needs.
Moissanite vs. Diamond: Durability
Although diamonds are renowned for their durability, they are not indestructible. Although diamonds are tough, it is not the most vital mineral, meaning they can still break or chip. Nonetheless, it is still an excellent choice for everyday wear, especially for an engagement ring. Kim Kanary of JTV explains, "Diamonds have a high degree of hardness, so they are more resistant to abrasions." Moissanite is also tough and is an excellent substitute for those looking for a resilient stone that can handle daily wear. O'Connell explains, "Moissanite is the second hardest to diamonds on the Mohs hardness scale, ranging from 9.25-9.5."
Moissanite vs. Diamond: Brilliance
One of the most apparent differences between moissanite and diamonds is their brilliance. Moissanite may have more intelligence than a diamond due to its dispersion value. Cutting it differently than diamonds enhances the sparkle of moissanite because it is double-refractive.As a result, it has more excellent fire (or display of spectral colors) visible when you rotate the stone. The result is a rainbow-like effect, while diamonds reflect whiter light. Moissanite will be the better choice if you are looking for a gemstone with a lot of sparkle and fire.
Moissanite vs. Diamond: Hardness
The hardness of a material is often directly correlated with its durability. The more complex a fabric is, the more difficult it is to scratch or chip. This is why diamonds are often used in industrial applications where durability is paramount. Hardness alone is not enough to determine a material's durability; other physical properties must also be considered.
When choosing materials, it is essential to consider their specific properties and how they will be most effectively utilized. Diamonds are the hardest known material, scoring a ten on the Mohs Scale of Hardness. At the same time, moissanite is a close second with a score of 9.5. Rubies and sapphires have a hardness of 9, and emeralds score 7. More complex materials are more likely to break or shatter than softer materials, so it is essential to consider brittleness when selecting a material.
While no gemstone is indestructible, some are slightly harder and more durable for daily wear. When choosing jewelry for everyday wear, it is essential to consider both the hardness and the overall durability of the piece.
Moissanite vs. Diamond: Clarity
When choosing a diamond, many people believe that bigger is better. However, size isn’t the only factor to consider. Clarity is also essential; this is where moissanite has an advantage over diamonds. Because moissanite is grown in laboratories, they don’t have the significant clarity imperfections that diamonds may contain. So, moissanite will always be eye-clean, while diamonds may contain visible marks.
Finding an eye-clean diamond in its desired size can be difficult for those with low budgets. It involves examining many diamonds very closely. This can be time-consuming and may require expert help. In contrast, all moissanite is guaranteed to be eye-clean, making them an excellent option for those on a budget or who don’t want to spend hours shopping for a diamond.
Moissanite vs. Diamond: Which is More Beautiful?
In the world of gemstones, diamonds have long been considered the gold standard. However, in recent years, moissanite has emerged as a popular alternative. Moissanite is a silicon carbide mineral first discovered in a meteor crater in Arizona. It shares many diamonds' most desirable qualities, including exceptional hardness and brilliance.
Moissanite is more brilliant than diamond and dispenses light somewhat differently. As a result, some people believe that moissanite has a more "firey" appearance than diamond. When it comes to beauty, it is ultimately up to the individual to decide which stone they prefer. It is undeniable that moissanite is an excellent imitation of a diamond.
Moissanite vs. Diamonds: Environmental Impact
Moissanite is a lab-created gemstone with a much lower environmental impact than diamonds. Diamonds are mined from the Earth, which can hurt the environment. Mining diamonds can lead to soil erosion, groundwater pollution, and other forms of corruption. On the other hand, moissanite is created in a laboratory, so it has a much lower environmental impact.
Moissanite vs. Diamonds: Ethical Considerations
Moissanite is a lab-created gemstone, so it does not have the same ethical considerations as diamonds. Diamonds are often mined in conflict zones, and the money from selling diamonds can be used to fund wars and other human rights abuses. Moissanite is a great choice if you are looking for an ethical alternative to diamonds.
What Is Moissanite And Moissanite History?
Henri Moissan, a French scientist, won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1893 for discovering moissanite, a gemstone. The rock is named after him. Moissan came across minuscule gemstone fragments in a meteorite-made crater in Arizona. Initially, he thought he had discovered diamonds but later determined the crystals were composed of silicon carbide.
Moissanite is laboratory-created because natural moissanite is incredibly rare. After many years of research, the particles discovered by Henri Moissan were eventually synthesized, leading to the production of the gemstone available today. Moissanite is sometimes referred to as a diamond simulant because it is engineered to give the illusion of similar properties to diamonds, such as hardness and dispersion.
Moissanite has a refractive index and fire that are more than double that of diamonds. In addition, moissanite is less expensive than diamonds. It is not associated with human rights abuses, which makes it a more ethical choice. Although moissanite may not have the same historical significance as diamonds, it is still a beautiful and unique gemstone.
Does Moissanite Lose Its Sparkle?
Over time, a diamond will slowly lose its sparkle as the surface becomes dulled or dirty. However, moissanite is different. This stone is renowned for retaining its sparkle for years, regardless of wear and tear. The only thing that may inhibit the flash of a moissanite ring is dirt or grime. A quick cleaning will restore the stone to its original brilliance. Additionally, while damage to the surface of any gemstone can diminish its sparkle, moissanite is particularly resistant to scratching and chipping.
Is Moissanite A Precious Stone?
While moissanite is not technically a precious stone, that doesn't mean it isn't valuable. When it comes to hardness, moissanite ranks second only to diamonds, making it one of the most resilient gemstones available. This makes it an excellent choice for jewelry that will be worn often. Moissanite is a great alternative if you're looking for the appearance of a diamond without the hefty price tag. Much more economical than diamonds, moissanite is affordable for those who want the diamond look without breaking the bank. So while moissanite may not be considered a "precious" stone, it is still a practical and popular choice for fine jewelry.
Does Moissanite Get Cloudy?
In contrast to a diamond, moissanite jewels do not accumulate dirt and oil over time, which helps to preserve their sparkling luster.
Moissanite is renowned for its dazzling sparkle resulting from its double refraction properties. When light strikes the stone's surface, it is broken into two rays that travel at different speeds, resulting in more of the light being reflected the observer.
In contrast, diamonds have a single refractive index, meaning they don't disperse light similarly. So, while cubic zirconia may be a cheaper alternative to diamonds, moissanite is a better choice if you're looking for a stone that will retain its brilliance over time.
Conclusion
So, which one is better? In terms of price, color, durability, brilliance, hardness, and clarity – Moissanite outperforms diamond. However, it is essential to remember that each gemstone has unique qualities that make it special. If you’re looking for a beautiful and durable gem that is also budget-friendly, Moissanite is a perfect choice. For more information on Moissanite vs. diamond or to purchase your moissanite ring, please visit MoissaniteRings.us today.
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