Moissanite is a type of gemstone that resembles a diamond in appearance but has a different chemical composition. It is made from pure silicon carbide, a rare mineral found in nature, but due to its scarcity, moissanite used in jewellery today is primarily created in a lab. The discovery of moissanite dates back to 1893 when it was first found in rock samples taken from a meteor crater in Arizona by a French scientist named Henri Moissan. While it may not have the same value as a diamond, moissanite's similarity in appearance and lower cost make it a popular alternative for those seeking a similar look.
What is the difference between diamond and moissanite?
The main difference between diamond and moissanite is their chemical composition. Diamond is made entirely of carbon, whereas moissanite is made of silicon carbide. This difference in composition gives them different physical and optical properties.
Hardness
Diamond is one of the hardest materials known to man, with a hardness of 10 on the Mohs scale. It also has a very high refractive index, which means it reflects light very well and has a lot of sparkle. Moissanite, on the other hand, is almost as hard as diamond, with a hardness of 9.25 on the Mohs scale. It also has a high refractive index, which means it can have a lot of sparkle as well.
Clarity
However, there are a few key differences between diamond and moissanite when it comes to their optical properties. For example, moissanite has a higher dispersion than diamond, which means it can create more fire or rainbow-like flashes of color when light hits it at certain angles. Diamond, on the other hand, tends to reflect white light more than colored light, which gives it a different appearance.
Budget
Another difference between diamond and moissanite is their availability and cost. Diamonds are much rarer than moissanite and are therefore more expensive. Moissanite, on the other hand, is more readily available and is generally less expensive than diamonds.
Colour
Moissanite and diamonds differ in colour. Moissanite is not colourless and, unlike diamond, is not assessed and graded on colour. Diamond colour is assessed on a scale between D-Z with D being completely colourless. Typical moissanite is similar in colour to a GIA-certified K-colour diamond, meaning that it would fall in the faint colour scale rather than colourless or near colourless. Just like diamonds, the smaller the moissanite, the more colourless it will appear. Some moissanite stones have a yellow, grey or green tint depending on the lighting, so it is easy to tell the difference between a diamond and moissanite.
Overall, while diamond and moissanite may look similar at first glance, there are important differences in their chemical composition and optical properties. Which one is right for you will depend on your personal preferences and budget.
The debate over whether or not moissanite is a diamond has been going on for years. While it's true that both gemstones are different, there are several key differences between them that make them unsuitable as wedding rings.
First of all, moissanite lacks the value that diamonds have--it's only worth about one-fifth of what a real diamond costs. That's because moissanite is created in a lab rather than being found naturally in nature.
Second, while both gemstones are formed under high pressure and temperature conditions, there are several differences between how they're formed. Moissanite is less dense than diamonds and thus has more brilliance (or sparkle) than its counterpart.
Thirdly, moissanite lacks the durability that diamonds have due to their natural origin from deep within Earth's mantle; this means that over time they will become duller and less attractive until eventually losing their luster altogether.
