How Hard Is Moissanite Compared To Diamond? Moissanite, a popular diamond alternative, scores 9.25 on the Mohs scale, while diamond scores a perfect 10; COMPARE.EDU.VN offers a detailed comparison, revealing that while diamonds are harder, moissanite’s durability makes it a compelling option for jewelry, balancing cost, appearance, and ethical considerations. Discover insights on gemstone hardness, scratch resistance, and the tangible value proposition of moissanite versus diamonds, including brilliance and fire.
1. Understanding Moissanite: A Diamond Alternative
While natural moissanite exists, it’s incredibly rare. The moissanite used in jewelry today is created in a lab. When comparing moissanite vs lab diamond options, you’re looking at synthetic moissanite, a crystalline silicon carbide made to look like a diamond. Jewelers almost always use lab-created moissanite because natural moissanite is too rare for jewelry.
2. Moissanite vs Diamond: Aesthetic Appeal
The main question when comparing diamonds and moissanite is which looks better. Moissanite is a convincing diamond alternative. Jewelry experts use a “moissanite tester” to tell the difference, which measures electrical conductivity, and a loupe for close examination. Still, there are small beauty differences that you might notice.
2.1. Brilliance and Fire
Diamonds show both brilliance (white flashes) and fire (colored flashes). Moissanite also shows both, but it usually has more fire than a diamond. This means moissanite usually produces more colored light flashes than a diamond.
This difference depends on the diamond cut. Diamonds with older cuts or modern cuts with certain angles show more fire, which can make it harder to tell the difference.
It’s not always easy to tell moissanite and diamonds apart based on brilliance and fire alone, but the differences are more obvious with larger stones. Without experience, it can be hard to tell them apart.
2.2. Color Comparison
Today, you can find moissanite in the same color range as white diamonds. This wasn’t always the case.
Classic moissanite has a yellowish or brownish tint, similar to J through M color diamonds. This works well with yellow gold or rose gold settings and vintage-style jewelry.
Modern moissanite also comes in colors similar to “Near Colorless” G to I range and “Colorless” D through F range. These options give moissanite buyers great choices for matching their preferred diamond looks and styles.
However, moissanite can change color depending on the lighting and might not always look perfectly colorless. Some stones might show yellow or yellow-green tints. If you’re very sensitive to color, you might prefer a diamond or white sapphire over moissanite.
2.3. Clarity Differences
Because moissanites are grown in labs, they don’t have as many clarity imperfections as diamonds. A moissanite will always appear eye-clean, while diamonds might have imperfections you can see.
If you have a limited budget, finding an eye-clean diamond in the size you want can be hard. You might have to look at many diamonds, which takes time and might require expert help.
3. Comparing Durability: Diamond vs Moissanite
3.1. Hardness Rating
Diamond is famous for being the hardest material, with a 10 on the Mohs scale. Only a diamond can scratch another diamond. Moissanite has a hardness of 9.25, making it the second-hardest gemstone. Unless you keep your moissanite with diamond jewelry, it’s unlikely to get scratched.
3.2. Toughness Factors
It’s hard to say whether moissanite or diamond is tougher. Moissanite sellers might say their product is tougher, while diamond sellers might say the opposite.
Unlike diamond, moissanite doesn’t have a cleavage plane, which is an internal plane along which a diamond crystal can easily split. This gives moissanite a durability advantage. However, it’s not clear how much force moissanite can withstand before chipping or shattering.
The following measurements of pressure tolerance in millions of pounds per square inch (PSI) for diamond, moissanite, and cubic zirconia (another well-known diamond simulant) may provide some comparison basis, though COMPARE.EDU.VN cannot corroborate these figures:
- Diamond: 14.6 PSI
- Moissanite: 7.6 PSI
- CZ: 2.4 PSI
If these measurements are correct, diamond can withstand about twice the pressure as moissanite before breaking, while moissanite can withstand three times more pressure than CZ before breaking. However, it’s not clear whether the diamond measurement is an average of pressure applied from any direction or specifically along its weaker cleavage plane. CZ, like moissanite, also lacks a cleavage plane.
Both diamond and moissanite resist chipping or cracking well, but damage is still possible and depends on the cut type. Princess cuts might chip more easily than rounds. Durability shouldn’t be a major factor in your decision between these gems.
4. Budget and Size Comparison: Moissanite vs Diamond
Cost almost always plays a big role when choosing an engagement ring. When comparing moissanite vs diamond, moissanite is the clear winner in terms of price. Consider the moissanite sizes available at various budget levels compared to diamonds of different color grades.
| Budget | D-E-F Diamond | G-H-I Diamond | J-K-L-M Diamond | Colorless Moissanite |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $500 | 0.35 ct – 4.5 mm | 0.35 ct – 4.5 mm | 0.42 ct – 4.8 mm | 5 mm |
| $1,000 | 0.50 ct – 5.2 mm | 0.55 ct – 5.2 mm | 0.60 ct – 5.4 mm | 7 mm |
| $2,000 | 0.70 ct – 5.8 mm | 0.75 ct – 5.9 mm | 0.80 ct – 6.0 mm | 9 mm |
| $3,000 | 0.80 ct – 6.0 mm | 0.90 ct – 6.3 mm | 1.00 ct – 6.5 mm | 11 mm |
| $4,000 | 1.00 ct – 6.5 mm | 1.07 ct – 6.6 mm | 1.30 ct – 7.0 mm | 13 mm |
| $5,000 | 1.09 ct – 6.6 mm | 1.20 ct – 6.7 mm | 1.50 ct – 7.3 mm | – – |
Choosing moissanite will save you a lot of money.
These prices are for round diamonds with the highest carat weight within budget for an eye-clean SI2, excellent-cut diamond. These diamond prices indicate minimum eye-clean quality. Moissanite sizes are for Super Premium moissanite, equivalent to D-E-F diamond color grade.
Moissanite offers great cost savings. Even with a budget under $1,000, you can get a stone similar to a one-carat diamond. A diamond of this size would cost at least $3,000, with compromises in color and clarity. Spending that much on moissanite would get you a very large stone, over 1 cm across.
Even with smaller $500 budgets, the size difference between moissanite and diamond is noticeable. Moissanite appears 8% larger than a faint-colored diamond or 20% larger than a D-E-F diamond.
5. Natural vs Lab-Made: Making the Choice
The most important factor in your moissanite vs diamond decision is your gemstone preference, even more than cost.
Some people choose diamond for its tradition, prestige, or natural origin. Others prefer moissanite for sustainability, ethical reasons, or because they can get the look they want for less money. This is a personal choice, and there’s no right or wrong answer. If you prefer diamond, buy a diamond. If you prefer moissanite, choose moissanite.
6. Where to Buy Quality Moissanite and Diamond Engagement Rings
If you’ve decided on a diamond, learn about diamond quality first to avoid overpaying. Because a diamond is a personal and expensive purchase, see how it sparkles before you buy. To get the best value, consider online retailers. They offer 360° video of their diamonds and many ring settings. Their large selection ensures you’ll find the perfect stone.
For moissanite, quality doesn’t vary as much, making shopping easier. The original gem-grade moissanite manufacturer offers hundreds of ring styles online.
If you’re having trouble finding the perfect engagement ring style, contact experts. Whether you prefer diamond, moissanite, or something else, they can help you find the perfect center stone for your style and budget, setting it in a unique engagement ring you’ll love.
7. FAQs About Moissanite and Diamonds
7.1. What is the main difference between moissanite and diamond?
The main differences are composition, price, and brilliance. Diamond is pure carbon, while moissanite is silicon carbide. Moissanite is significantly less expensive and often exhibits more fire (colored light flashes) than diamonds.
7.2. Will moissanite scratch easily?
No, moissanite is very scratch-resistant. With a hardness of 9.25 on the Mohs scale, it’s the second hardest gemstone used in jewelry, making it suitable for daily wear.
7.3. Does moissanite look fake?
High-quality moissanite closely resembles a diamond. Some may perceive its higher level of fire as “too sparkly,” but overall, it’s a convincing alternative.
7.4. Is moissanite a good choice for an engagement ring?
Yes, moissanite is a great choice for an engagement ring. It’s durable, beautiful, and more affordable than diamond, allowing you to get a larger stone for your budget.
7.5. How can I tell the difference between moissanite and diamond?
Jewelry experts use a moissanite tester to measure electrical conductivity. Visually, moissanite often has more fire than diamond.
7.6. Is moissanite ethical?
Yes, moissanite is generally considered more ethical than diamonds, as it is lab-created and avoids the ethical concerns associated with diamond mining.
7.7. Does moissanite fade or get cloudy over time?
No, moissanite does not fade or get cloudy over time. It retains its brilliance and clarity throughout its life.
7.8. What colors does moissanite come in?
Moissanite comes in a range of colors, from colorless to near-colorless, and may exhibit slight yellow or green tints depending on the specific stone and lighting.
7.9. How does the cost of moissanite compare to diamonds?
Moissanite is significantly less expensive than diamonds. You can often get a moissanite stone for a fraction of the cost of a diamond of similar size and quality.
7.10. Can moissanite be used in any setting suitable for diamonds?
Yes, moissanite can be used in any setting designed for diamonds, making it a versatile choice for various jewelry styles.
8. Make an Informed Decision with COMPARE.EDU.VN
Choosing between moissanite and diamond involves balancing factors like budget, appearance, and personal values. While diamonds boast unmatched hardness, moissanite offers an appealing combination of durability, affordability, and ethical sourcing.
Still unsure which gem is right for you? Visit COMPARE.EDU.VN for more detailed comparisons and side-by-side analyses. Our comprehensive resources empower you to make an informed decision and select the perfect gemstone that aligns with your preferences and budget. At COMPARE.EDU.VN, we understand the challenges in comparing different options. Our goal is to provide clear, objective comparisons to help you make the right choice.
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