What Are Moissanites?
Moissanite is a distinct gemstone in its own right, much like ruby, sapphire, or emerald. Chemically composed of silicon carbide (SiC), moissanite is prised for its exceptional brilliance, durability, and rarity.
Discovered over 120 years ago by Nobel Prize–winning scientist Dr. Henri Moissan, this gemstone was first identified in fragments of a meteorite. Naturally occurring moissanite is extremely rare, found only in meteorites and certain upper mantle rocks, making it rarer than diamonds in nature.
Because of this rarity, nearly all moissanite available today is lab-grown using advanced technology that replicates the gemstone’s natural formation process. This controlled environment allows for consistent quality while having a minimal environmental footprint, which has contributed to moissanite’s growing global popularity.
Why Is Moissanite Considered Rarer Than Diamonds?
While diamonds are mined from the Earth in many locations worldwide, natural moissanite has never been found in mineable quantities. Its presence has been limited to:
- Meteorite fragments
- Upper mantle geological formations
As a result, producing moissanite requires a highly technical lab process, making it one of the most scientifically fascinating gemstones used in jewellery today.
Moissanite vs Lab Grown Diamonds: Key Differences Explained
Moissanite and lab grown diamonds are often compared due to their visual similarities. However, they differ in several important areas, including price, durability, brilliance, and colour.
1. Price Comparison
Lab grown diamonds are already more affordable than mined diamonds, but moissanite is typically even more cost-effective.
- Moissanite generally costs significantly less than a lab grown diamond of the same size
- Pricing varies based on cut and quality, but moissanite consistently remains the more budget-friendly option
This price difference makes moissanite an attractive choice for larger centre stones without compromising appearance.
2. Durability and Hardness
Gemstone durability is measured using the Mohs scale of hardness:
- Lab Grown Diamond: 10/10 (hardest known natural material)
- Moissanite: 9.25/10
While diamonds rank slightly higher, moissanite is still extremely durable and well-suited for everyday wear, including engagement rings and long-term jewellery use.
3. Brilliance and Sparkle
One of moissanite’s most recognisable characteristics is its intense sparkle.
- Moissanite has a higher refractive index than diamonds
- This results in a fiery, rainbow-like brilliance often described as “disco-ball sparkle”
Lab grown diamonds, however, share the same optical properties as mined diamonds, offering a classic white brilliance and fire that many people prefer.
Both gemstones deliver exceptional visual appeal, but their sparkle styles are distinctly different.
4. Colour Differences
Lab grown diamonds are officially graded for colour by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). Moissanite, however, is not GIA-graded, though diamond colour scales are often used as a reference.
- High-quality moissanite is typically near-colourless to colourless
- Some stones may display subtle warmth under certain lighting conditions
Overall, moissanite is widely known for maintaining a bright, clear appearance.
Can a Jeweller Tell the Difference Between Moissanite and a Lab Grown Diamond?
Yes, a qualified and reputable jeweller can distinguish between the two gemstones.
Jewellers use:
- Professional gemstone testing tools
- High-magnification microscopes
- Light performance analysis
Moissanite has a different faceting pattern and light refraction behaviour compared to diamonds. These characteristics affect how light travels through the stone and are usually the first indicators professionals use to identify it.
Final Thoughts: Understanding Moissanite as a Gemstone
Moissanite is not a diamond imitation—it is a unique gemstone with its own chemical structure, optical properties, and origin story. Its rarity, brilliance, durability, and lab-grown availability have made it one of the most talked-about gemstones in modern jewellery.
Whether compared to lab grown diamonds or appreciated on its own, moissanite stands out as a scientifically remarkable and visually striking gemstone.
