Both diamonds and moissanite gemstones are gorgeous but there are some differences between the two. Learn more with our diamond vs moissanite guide!
The brilliance, the shine, the bling. You just love the look of diamonds!
…or is it moissanite?
Moissanite is a relative newcomer to the jewelry scene, but it’s creating quite a stir. In fact, the revenue of the moissanite industry is expected to go from 29.2 million in 2018 to approximately 57.1 million in 2028!
At first glance, diamonds and moissanite look quite similar. But there are some distinct differences between diamond vs moissanite. Let’s take a look at them.
Durability
Diamonds are commonly lauded as the hardest material on Earth. There are actually some materials that are harder but even so, diamonds hold strong at a perfect 10 on the Moh’s scale of hardness.
In order to scratch a mineral, the material you’re using to scratch it must be harder. Since diamonds are the hardest at 10, this means there are no other materials that can scratch it. This is one of the reasons why diamonds are popular in engagement and wedding rings for everyday wear.
So where does moissanite fall on the scale? Well, it isn’t too far behind at 9.25. This means that moissanite rings are nearly as durable as diamonds. Certainly, they are hard enough to withstand the rigors of normal everyday use.
Color and Brilliance
Durability is great and all, but for many people, what matters is how the stone looks. There’s just something about the way a diamond catches the light and gives off such a beautiful sparkle.
Both moissanite and diamonds are classified as colorless stones. However, when comparing diamond vs moissanite, there is a slight difference.
Diamonds are actually colorless. They are bright white and naturally contain no traces of brown, gray, yellow or any other colors.
Moissanite can have some slight green or yellowish undertones in certain lighting. Traces of color will be more noticeable in larger gemstones.
When the purpose is not to create a look-alike diamond, some companies are even capitalizing on these slight color tones. They may use coatings to add traces of pink, yellow, blue, or green to create different looks.
But if white is what you want, look into Charles and Colvard’s “Forever Brilliant” line. This line promises to be 2-3 times whiter than even the original moissanite stones.
Brilliance
Additionally, the incredible sparkle of moissanite can help distract the eye from any color issues. Moissanite actually has a higher refractive index at 2.65 than diamonds do at 2.42. It also has a higher dispersion (creates fire and flashes) at .104 than diamonds at .044.
What does this mean?
Well, moissanite is “flashier”. Many people love the rainbow flashes given off by moissanite, particularly in sunlight. Others feel that it’s too much. What’s right for you will depend on your personal preference.
Diamonds get their incredibly famous sparkle by reflecting light in three ways. Its brilliance reflects white light directly back. Its dispersion is the rainbow of light refracted through the diamond. And its scintillation, or surface sparkle, tops it off.
Altogether, the effect is stunning and has been loved for generations.
Clarity
There won’t be any flaws visible to the naked eye on a moissanite stone. To be suitable for sale, moissanite has to receive a VS (very slight) rating or higher. Under magnification, you’ll be able to see marks from the manufacturing process, but who’s looking that closely at your ring?
Blemishes and inclusions in diamonds also can’t be seen with the naked eye. The very highest quality diamonds are rated as flawless. This means there are no inclusions or blemishes visible even under 10x magnification.
There are various classifications of clarity in diamonds, but only the lowest three may have a slight effect on the transparency and brilliance of a diamond to the naked eye.
The bottom line, both moissanite and diamonds have incredible clarity and are beautiful gemstones.
From the Source
Moissanite is out of this world
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