Moissanite vs. Diamond — the differences in diamond alternatives

We all know diamond and its properties. Diamond is a gemstone that has been used for thousands of years as an investment, jewelry and industrial material. It is also known to be one of the hardest substances on Earth. However, it is not the only one – there are others. 

The hardness of diamonds comes from their atomic structure, which makes them more stable than other materials. However, there are other gemstones giving almost similar qualities to those of diamond. For that reason, the moissanite vs diamond comparison has led the way to getting more affordable options. 

Diamond is not only hard but it is also very expensive. Therefore, people have started looking for alternative options for the same use and application as diamond. Therefore, moissanite is one such option you will find in the market today. Despite its close resemblance and appearance to diamond, it is different in various ways. In that case, it is important to note that moissanite is not diamond. 

What is moissanite? 

Moissanite is a synthetic gemstone with a hardness value of 9.5. This means that you can compare it to diamond. However, what makes Moissanite different from diamond? In this article, we will discuss the difference between moissanite and diamond. These include: 

Chemical Composition

The chemical composition of diamond mainly is carbon alongside oxygen and hydrogen atoms. For moissanite, the difference comes in terms of the silicon atoms present in it. Moissanite is Silicon Carbide (SiC). The presence of silicon gives it a higher strength and durability.

Hardness 

Diamond is the hardest substance on Earth. However, other gemstones are hard enough for the same use and application. Moissanite is just as hard if not harder than diamond. Making moissanite in the lab provides opportunities to make it harder than diamond because manufacturers can control and improve the processes for a better stone. 

Color

In diamond, color is due to impurities. On the contrary, in moissanite, color is due to the natural variations in the crystal. It is important to note that diamond is not always colorless. It may come in yellow, pink or even white depending on the type of diamond. On the other hand, moissanite has more color variations than diamond. Therefore, it provides a lot more options when it comes to choosing colors. 

Cut 

You can cut diamond into specific shapes to suit the purpose. For example, round brilliant cuts are used for engagement rings while princess cuts are preferred for earrings. On the other hand, you can cut moissanite to fit any shape and size needed. There are no restrictions when it comes to cutting moissanite. This is because people can cut into any shape unlike diamond. 

Clarity 

Diamond is clear by nature. However, it does contain imperfections because most of the diamond found in the market is mined from the earth's crust. Moissanite is usually transparent and clear. However, people can make it opaque by adding small amounts of iron oxide to it. It all depends on what they want to achieve. In a nutshell, you make moissanite what you want it to be but is most clear without impurities because the manufacturing process is controlled. 

Shape and Size

Most Moissanite in the market today is lab-grown. Therefore, it is available in different shapes and sizes. Some of these shapes include round, oval, square and octagonal. Again, they are generally smaller than diamond. However, diamond is usually available in certain specific shapes like pear shape, cushion cut, emerald cut etc.

Price

While diamond is extremely expensive, moissanite is much cheaper. It is because moissanite is made using less energy and resources than diamond. In addition, it is easier to produce since it does not require high pressure and temperature compared to the natural forming processes of diamond inside earth's crust. Most importantly, people make moissanite in the lab and that makes it more available than diamond, which is mostly mined.  

The Bottom Line 

As you can see, there are many similarities between moissanite and diamonds. They both have similar properties and characteristics. However, there are some differences too. When it comes to price, moissanite is significantly cheaper than diamond. This is why Moissanite is becoming more popular among consumers.