Lab Diamonds vs Moissanite: Ultimate Guide for Buying Jewelry

A diamond engagement ring is an ideal choice for optimum luster and elegance. However, diamond rings can be expensive, and other cheaper alternatives offer as much sparkle and are equally elegant. This guide explores two most popular alternatives: lab diamonds vs moissanite. Let’s explore the differences between these gems to help you pick out based on their brilliance, hardness, and price. 

Is Moissanite a Real Diamond?

It’s a common question that people ask when shopping for jewelry. The short answer is no. Moissanite is not a real diamond.

In fact, it is not a diamond at all. They are two different gemstones. However, they do have similarities in appearance. But when you examine moissanite closely, it lacks the sparkle and reflection of a diamond gemstone. There is also a significant price difference. 

Despite being more affordable than diamonds, moissanite never loses its sparkle. It boasts a superior hardness and a high refractive index that endures time. Moissanite is a superior choice compared to other diamond stimulants as it remains shiny and bright for a long time without losing brilliance. 

Do Lab-Grown Diamonds Test as Moissanite?

Yes, lab-grown diamonds can test as moissanite. There are several reasons why this could happen.

The presence of boron in natural and lab-grown diamonds can alter their properties, resulting in them testing as moissanite. Boron exhibits a blue tint in the gemstone, making it look like a moissanite when inspected with an electrical probe or subjected to a diamond multitester. 

Another reason is the crystal density in lab diamonds. Diamonds are lab-grown using different methods, resulting in different crystal densities that could be similar to a moissanite. 

When diamonds test as moissanite, further testing confirms that it is diamond and not moissanite. 

Can You Tell the Difference Between Moissanite and Diamond?

To the naked eye, it’s easy to confuse moissanite and diamond. But with a trained eye, you can distinguish the difference between these two gemstones.

First, the chemical makeup of each gemstone is different. Diamond is made of carbon, whereas moissanite is made of silicon carbide. Since silicon carbide is a rare, naturally occurring mineral, most moissanite gemstones are synthetically grown in a lab. Even with lab diamonds they are not considered fake; it has a chemical makeup similar to a natural diamond. Therefore, you should not worry about these gemstones being grown in a lab as they possess the same features as genuine ones. 

Let’s talk about brilliance next. Surprisingly, moissanite is more brilliant than diamond. Brilliance is the gemstone’s ability to reflect white light. Buyers examine the stone’s brilliance because it will determine how much the stone will ‘sparkle.’

The moissanite’s brilliance is 2.65, while the diamond’s is 2.42. Therefore, it has a higher refractive index than diamond, making it more sparkly. Aside from reflecting white light better, moissanite has a higher dispersion than diamond. Moissanite can create a more colored sparkle, so it does not just reflect white light.

On the other hand, a diamond has equal amounts of white and colored sparkle. Because of the extra reflection, it would be easy to distinguish moissanite from diamond upon closer inspection. 

Speaking of reflection, the refractive qualities of moissanite vs diamond are another distinguishing feature of the gemstones. Moissanite is double refractive, which enables you to see double when you examine the gem on its side. This gemstone feature is also in other gemstones, such as sapphire and tanzanite.

Another way to tell the difference between moissanite and diamond is through its hardness. A Mohs scale measures the hardness of a gemstone. The number 1 on the scale means the softest, and ten is the hardest. Moissanite measures 9.25 to 9.5 on the scale, whereas diamond scores 10. Therefore, diamond is among the hardest minerals and is highly durable. Nonetheless, moissanite also ranks higher on the scale, meaning it is as durable as diamond and suitable for everyday wear. 

The next way to tell the difference between lab diamonds vs moissanite is with its clarity. Diamonds are measured through the 4 Cs: cut, clarity, color, and carat. In the case of moissanite, you can expect them to have excellent clarity, especially since most moissanite are lab-grown. It means they have little to no blemishes or imperfections, or those imperfections are only visible with magnification. 

Color is another way to differentiate lab diamonds from moissanite. Both gemstones are colorless (or near colorless). However, many lab-grown moissanite now feature various colors, such as yellow, teal, and green. As mentioned, natural diamonds are colorless, but the presence of trace minerals, such as boron and nitrogen, can provide hints of color. Lab diamonds can be created in various color options. 

Are Moissanite Diamonds Fake?

Moissanite is a silicon carbide gemstone. When people refer to it as a moissanite diamond, it is actually a misnomer since this gemstone is different from a diamond. Therefore, anyone claiming that they are diamonds is only attempting to ramp up the price to make it seem as though they are a type of diamond. 

Silicon carbide, which is what moissanites are, is real. It has a diamond-like appearance. Henri Moissan discovered this gemstone in the late 1800s. When he discovered these little crystals, he thought they were diamonds. 

However, due to its similar appearance to diamonds, moissanite has become a popular alternative to diamonds for jewelry buyers looking for a more affordable alternative. 

Final Thoughts

Jewelry shopping can be intimidating and confusing. It can be overwhelming if you are not well-versed in the different qualities of various gemstones. This guide on lab diamonds vs moissanite should enlighten you about two of the most popular gemstone options, especially since they are often mistaken for one another. 

Lab diamonds have similar physical and chemical features to natural diamonds. Meanwhile, moissanite has similar qualities to diamonds, making it a more affordable alternative to a pricier diamond. If budget is no issue and you want a diamond's quality, durability, and sparkle, choose this gemstone. But moissanite is a suitable alternative if you want the same sparkle and brilliance as diamonds without the hefty price tag.