Moissanite vs Lab-grown Diamond: 11 Lesser-Known Differences

We decided to settle the moissanite vs lab grown diamond debate for once and all. Since these diamond alternatives are surging to popularity in the fashion scene. So, we thought this is the right time to bring some extra attention to this hot topic.

More often than not, jewelry enthusiasts find it hard to distinguish between a moissanite and a lab-grown diamond. Although this distinction is not clear in most cases, we cannot deny the fact that these stones have a unique allure of their own.

If you talk about which one is better, then there is no correct answer. Because the choice of a stone is always based on the personal style preference, fashion taste, and budget of a wearer. But before you go looking for the ideal stone, it is essential to familiarize yourself with the defining characteristics of lab-created diamond and moissanite, which could assist you to make a conscious purchase decision.

First, let’s start with debunking the biggest myth “Are lab diamonds and moissanite the same?”

The answer is an outright NO. They might look alike, but the way they are created makes a difference.

Moissanite occurs naturally in the mantle layers beneath the Earth’s surface. While a lab-created diamond is formed in a controlled lab setting using advanced technologies that replicate a mined diamond’s natural formation process. In addition, other distinctions could help you understand these diamond simulants better. So, here is a detailed comparison of how a moissanite and a lab-grown diamond are different from each other.

Let’s delve into more details-

What is moissanite vs lab grown diamond?

Chemical composition: A lab-grown diamond is composed of pure carbon molecules, which is the same as the molecular composition of a natural diamond. Whereas a moissanite is made up of carbon and silicates in equal proportions. In a laboratory setting, a tiny diamond seed with a formed crystalline structure is placed in intense temperatures or gas chamber where the seed is assimilated into carbon molecules and gets crystallized. Man-made moissanite undergoes a chemical vapor deposition to form a silicate carbide crystal. And natural moissanite goes through a series of extensive mining phases before getting into your hands.

Hardness: On Mohn’s hardness scale, a lab-created diamond has a 10 rating, while a moissanite has a lower hardness index of 9.25. This implies that lab diamonds are less likely to be exposed to scratches or abrasion than moissanite. However, moissanite is the toughest of many other gemstones, which makes them a considerably durable stone.

Refractive index: Moissanites have a high refractive index of 2.65 than lab diamonds which display a 2.42 refractive index. If you look closely, the light passes through a moissanite in two parts. But this is not the case with lab-grown diamonds. This factor alone gauges why moissanite engagement rings keep you dazzling all day long.

Brilliance: The brilliance of a moissanite and a lab diamond is what sets them apart. Moissanite is said to possess more brilliance and fire than a simulated diamond. Thanks to its double refractive index that gives the lab diamond an incredible sparkle that is hard to take your eyes off. On the other hand, a lab grown diamond does not match the brilliance of moissanite.

Color: It may come as a surprise that moissanite is not always naturally colorless. Much like diamonds, they range from clear to colored. A rare natural moissanite has a slight yellowish tint. Whereas lab diamonds can be colorless (D-F), near colorless (G-I), and with faint hues (J-K) as they have the same color grading scale as diamonds.

Rarity: The fact that moissanite is very rare could be understood by how it is formed and later mined from Earth’s mantle layer. However, the evolution of technology has accelerated the process of producing mass lab diamonds in a controlled setting under intense heat and temperature. Therefore, when it comes to rarity, a high-quality moissanite is hard to lay your hands on than a lab-created diamond that is available in abundance.

Cost: A key difference between a moissanite and a lab-created diamond is the varying prices. While a lab diamond might be not as pricey as the mined diamonds, it still has a steep price than moissanite. If we compare the costs there is not much variation in the prices of moissanite as that in lab diamonds. That also means that you can get a big-sized moissanite ring without breaking the bank. If cost is a concern, choosing a Synthetic diamond is out of the question.

Sustainability: In terms of sustainability, synthetic diamonds and moissanite pose significantly less threat to the ecosystem and human life. Considering that they are not mined like diamonds, they do not create a heap of waste in the surrounding areas. Moreover, their formation does not expend a huge quantity of fossil fuels, thereby making for a more sustainable option than mined diamonds.

Ethical concerns: The debate between moissanite vs lab grown vs diamond boils down to how ethically sourced they are. Earlier finding diamonds with no history of conflicts was challenging, but modern technology has opened up infinite possibilities for the jewelry industry. It is now possible to create ethically sourced moissanite and created diamonds. Because these diamond options are not extracted from mines but formed in man-made laboratories using renewable sources of energy. Thus, making it easier to trace the origins of these stones.

Shopping Consideration: Recent research suggests that consumers are making a steady shift to ethically sourced, budget-friendly, and inexpensive diamond alternatives. Moissanite is the most sought-after non-diamond gem option for those who want the sparkle of diamonds on a restrained budget. Moreover, the demand for lab diamonds has risen by a small portion since 2019. But their exorbitant prices dissuade consumers from buying them.

Cleaning: You can use simple and effective DIY cleaning hacks to take better care of your moissanite and lab-created engagement rings. Soaking them in a bowl filled with mild dish washing liquid and water is one of the easiest cleaning methods to try at home. All you have to do is soak them in the water for at least 15 minutes. Soak will dislodge the dirt and grim. Once you are done, pat them dry with a lint-free or microfiber cloth or a non-paper towel. They are ready to be worn or could be stored away.

We recommend you to take the above points into account before you settle for either moissanite or lab grown diamonds. Our personal favorite has always been moissanite, but your choice of stone may differ based on various factors. What you opt for should resonate with your personality. And the rest does not hold any value. Keep this in mind before going jewelry shopping. Feel free to consult our jewelry experts if you have any confusion.