Gemstone has gained popularity as people move away from traditional diamonds toward more alternative choices. Moissanite and lab grown diamonds are famous for their ethical production and affordability. As it has preferred features, people couldn't find the best option. Feeling difficult to pick the right gemstone? This blog compares Moissanite vs lab diamonds to help you find the perfect option for your budget and preferences.
You will get the clarity on which jewel is the perfect option for your upcoming purchases in the end.
What Is Moissanite?
Moissanite is a unique gemstone designed using a chemical called silicon carbide. French chemist Henri Moissan founded this gemstone. He discovered small crystals which were then recognized as Moissanite. Moissanite was very rare a few years back. The common doubt of people is, Is moissanite a lab grown diamond? Yes nowadays Moissanite is made in labs.
Moissanite shines more than diamond. This is the reason many people prefer it. It is strong and affordable. These features make it a perfect option for engagement rings and other jewels.
What Is a "Lab Diamond"?
A lab diamond is created by humans in a safe environment. It actually copies the natural form of diamonds. Such diamonds have two common methods of making them: HTHP and CVD.
You can design diamonds with these two methods. These two gemstones are chemically and physically similar to natural diamonds. Loose Lab Grown Diamonds are created with carbon atoms set in a crystal structure similar to the natural diamonds in the Earth. Lab diamonds are of different qualities and it is an affordable choice.
Is a Lab Diamond the Same Thing as Moissanite?
No, a lab diamond is not similar to Moissanite. The two gemstones are made in labs but from different materials. Lab diamonds are created of pure carbon which is the same element in natural diamonds. This feature makes them closely similar to natural diamonds in look and structure. Moissanite is usually created from silicon carbide which is different from carbon. This gives Moissanite distinct optical properties. These two stones shine similar at first sight but they differ in terms of brilliance, durability, and overall appearance.
Key Differences Between Moissanite vs. Lab Diamond
The primary differences of Moissanite and lab diamonds are in their material, brilliance, durability, color, cost, and hardness. Let us explore these features in detail.
Material
Lab diamonds are created from carbon material in natural diamonds. They are created through a process which replicates the high pressure and heat found deep inside the Earth. It helps carbon atoms join closely to give a diamond's crystal structure.
Moissanite gemstone is created from silicon carbide. It is a unique material which has different physical and optical characteristics. The material of Moissanite shows its brilliance, light reflection, and fire which are stronger than diamonds.
Brilliance
Do you wish to buy a gemstone? Are you confused about the main factors? Brilliance is one of the important factors people consider before selecting a gemstone. Brilliance is actually mentioned to denote the amount of light the gemstone reflects. In terms of brilliance Moissanite is famous for its high sparkle quality. It has a refractive index which is higher than a diamond. So Moissanite reflects light powerfully and sparkles brighter particularly in bright lighting.
Lab diamonds are still brilliant but have a gentle sparkle. They reflect light and sparkle less than Moissanite. A lab diamond will be perfect option for those who prefer classic diamond sparkle which does not feel too strong,
Durability
Durability is an important thing to consider particularly on jewelry. You should look for its durability before buying any jewels. It is because you wear it daily. Lab diamonds are extremely durable and it has scored 10 on the Mohs hardness scale. This durability makes lab diamonds the hardest material on Earth. Lab diamonds won’t get scratches easily and can last forever if cared properly.
Moissanite also has a durability factor. But it has lower ranks on the Mohs scale with a 9.25 rating. Though this feature makes Moissanite less durable than lab diamonds it is still a hard and tough gemstone. It is suitable for daily wear and resists scratching and it might get small wear over time unlike lab diamonds.
Color
Color is also an important factor to consider when choosing Moissanite and lab diamonds. Lab diamonds are in a different range of colors. It may be completely colorless D grade or with faint yellow Z grade. It will be more valuable if the color grade of the diamond is higher. Huge number of people opt for diamonds which are colorless because these diamonds look transparent and pure.
Moissanite generally has a slight yellow or greenish tint particularly in larger stones. While this tint is less noticeable in smaller Moissanites, it becomes apparent in stones over 1 carat. However high quality Moissanite can be nearly colorless but the faint yellow or greenish tint may be visible in certain lighting conditions.
For those looking for a completely colorless gemstone, lab diamonds are a better option. But if you do not consider a slight color variation Moissanite will look stunning.
Cost
Price is the huge difference between Moissanite and lab diamonds. Are Moissanite diamonds real? Yes they are real gemstones but their cost is lower than diamonds. It will cost around 50-75% less for the same size and quality. This price variation makes Moissanite a perfect choice if you wish to wear a shiny gemstone and do not want to spend huge money.
Lab diamonds are expensive than Moissanite but cheaper than natural diamonds. The price of a lab diamond may differ based on its look. If you wish to buy a unique and premium collection you can prefer lab diamonds.
Hardness
Moissanite and lab diamonds are strong and durable. Lab diamonds are the hardest material on the Mohs scale and have a maximum score. So they won’t get scratches and damage. This factor makes lab diamonds the perfect option for people who wish to buy a gemstone which can last forever.
Is moissanite a real diamond? Yes Moissanite is a real gemstone but it has a lower score than lab diamonds on the Mohs scale. The score of moissanite shows its hardness and durability. It is not hard as a lab diamond but it won’t get scratches easily. So you can wear it daily without worry. However it is slightly softer than a lab diamond and might wear down quickly over time.
Moissanite vs. Lab Diamonds Quality Comparison
Here's a simple table to compare the key aspects of Moissanite and lab diamonds:
| Feature | Moissanite | Lab Diamond |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Silicon carbide | Pure carbon |
| Brilliance | Higher sparkle and fire | Subtle sparkle, classic diamond look |
| Weight | Lighter than diamonds of the same size | Same weight as natural diamonds of the same size |
| Light Reflection | Reflects light with more intense flashes of rainbow colours | Reflects light in a more classic and softer way |
| Resale Value | Generally lower resale value than diamonds | Higher resale value than Moissanite, closer to natural diamonds |
| Transparency | May show some inclusions, especially in larger stones | Typically free of inclusions, high clarity |
Conclusion
Whether you prefer Moissanite or lab diamonds depends on personal tastes, budgets and what one appreciates in a gemstone. With Moissanite, one gets added sparkle for less money and a perfect option for the person who wants sparkle without exacting color requirements. Is Moissanite a real diamond? Yes, it’s a real gemstone. Made up of silicon carbide, it gives gems a different kind of brilliance and fire.
Lab-grown diamonds offer you an elegant and understated sparkle as good as natural diamonds. Planning to shop for an engagement ring? Celebrate the moment with Vana Jewels Lab-Grown Diamonds Engagement Rings. Either of these two fine options offers a beautiful gemstone alternative to mined diamonds at a fraction of their price. Happy shopping!
FAQs?
What’s better for an engagement ring: Moissanite or lab diamond?
On one hand, Moissanite are far more affordable and will actually shimmer more than lab-grown diamonds while lab-grown diamonds, while shiny diamonds, are softer than they are, just these are the harder stones.
Will Moissanite eventually get cloudy?
Moissanite will not be clouded over; hence, however, these should clean from time to time to keep dirt and oils off its surface.
Why is lab-grown diamond more expensive compared to Moissanite?
Lab-grown diamonds are made chiefly of pure carbon, as are natural diamonds. Moreover, lab-grown diamonds are very much in demand due to the novel technology involved in their fabrication, unlike Moissanite.
