Moissanite Hardness: Will it Scratch or Fade Over Time?

As more people consider wearing a moissanite ring for life, one critical question keeps coming up: Will it scratch or fade over time? The clear answer is no.

Moissanite is physically incapable of fading and remarkably resistant to scratches. Because it is a silicon carbide crystal, its structure is nearly as rigid as a diamond's, ensuring that your jewelry will remain as sparkling on your 50th anniversary as it was on your wedding day.

This guide utilizes gemological science to address your concerns about the durability and long-term care of moissanite.

💍 Discover the lasting beauty of our moissanite engagement rings!

Understanding Moissanite Hardness: What Does 9.25 Mean?

The Mohs scale measures a gemstone’s resistance to scratching, not its strength or brittleness.

Moissanite ranks between 9.25 and 9.5 on the Mohs scale, which makes it harder than sapphire, ruby, and emerald. This means that, in the hierarchy of minerals, only diamonds (at 10) are hard enough to leave a permanent scratch on their surface.

To put this into perspective, let’s look at how moissanite compares to other popular gemstones.

Key Takeaway: In practical terms, everyday hazards pose no threat. Common culprits, such as metal keys, kitchen countertops, sand, and glass, cannot scratch moissanite. Only diamonds or specialized industrial tools can scratch a moissanite ring.

Does Moissanite Scratch? (Daily Wear Reality)

Moissanite is extremely scratch-resistant during normal daily wear.

What Scratches What?

The principle is straightforward: Only something harder can cause a scratch. Since moissanite is harder than virtually everything it will encounter in daily life—from ceramic cookware to accidental bumps against walls—its surface will remain polished and smooth for decades.

Real-World Anecdotes vs. Lab Evidence

Moissanite does not scratch in daily wear; reported damage cases almost always involve impact, not surface wear.

Anecdotal Evidence:

In jewelry forums and user reviews, a few owners report chips or cracks after accidental drops or hard knocks. These experiences are often misinterpreted as scratching. At the same time, long-term wearers consistently report years of daily use with no visible scratches, color change, or permanent loss of sparkle—only temporary dullness from surface oils.

Lab Testing:

Gemological testing confirms that moissanite (Mohs 9.25-9.5) is harder than sapphire and cannot be scratched by common household materials. Scratching requires a diamond or industrial abrasive, while chips result from a sharp impact.

Conclusion:

User anecdotes reflect rare impact incidents, and lab data confirms exceptional scratch resistance. Under normal wear conditions, moissanite remains smooth, durable, and visually unchanged for decades.

Moissanite vs. Sapphire: Which Holds Up Better to Daily Wear?

Yes, moissanite is slightly more scratch-resistant than sapphire, which matters for rings worn daily.

While sapphire ranks at 9 on the Mohs scale, moissanite's higher hardness (9.25-9.5) provides better long-term resistance to surface abrasion from daily contact over the years.

This slight difference is why moissanite is often preferred over sapphire for everyday wear engagement rings.

Pear Cut Moissanite Engagement Ring Rose Gold	Oval Cut Lab Sapphire Rose Gold Twisted Engagement Ring

Will Moissanite Fade, Yellow, or Lose Sparkle Over Time?

Moissanite is chemically inert, so its color and brilliance are permanent properties that will never degrade under normal environmental conditions.

It is composed of silicon carbide, a compound with exceptional chemical stability.

Its refractive index of 2.65-2.69, higher than that of a diamond, remains unchanged unless exposed to temperatures above 1100℃, which is far beyond normal wearing conditions.

In other words, its brilliance is permanent.

The “Oil Slick” Phenomenon

Many owners worry, "Does moissanite get cloudy?" The answer lies in a surface phenomenon, not an internal one. If your moissanite looks "cloudy" or "dull," it isn't fading; it's likely experiencing the "oil slick" phenomenon.

Moissanite is lipophilic, or oil-loving. Over time, soaps, lotions, and skin oils can create a thin, iridescent film on the surface.

The most critical point of reassurance is that this cloudiness is 100% temporary and reversible. The stone beneath is as perfect as the day you bought it. It simply needs to be cleaned. It's similar to how a dirty window obscures the view. A simple cleaning is the solution.

How to Fix a Dull-Looking Moissanite Ring

1. Soak in warm water with mild dish soap
2. Gently brush with a soft toothbrush
3. Rinse and dry with a lint-free cloth

Moissanite Hidden Halo Engagement Ring 4 Claw Prongs Wedding Anniversary Promise Ring

Toughness vs. Hardness: Why Hard Does Not Mean Unbreakable

Hardness measures scratch resistance, while toughness measures resistance to breaking.

Although moissanite ranks very high in hardness, it can be brittle under sharp impact, like diamond.

This is not a flaw; it is a property shared by all ultra-hard gemstones.

In scientific terms, moissanite has a fracture toughness of approximately 2.4 MPa·m¹/². This is significantly higher than most gems, but moissanite is not "indestructible."

• Hardness = Scratching (Moissanite excels here).
• Toughness = Cracking (Moissanite is very durable, but physics still applies).

Because edge protection is important for long-term durability, we design our settings at Juyoyo to shield the stone's vulnerable points—balancing beauty with structural security.

Moissanite vs. Cubic Zirconia (CZ): The Longevity Difference

The main difference is that CZ is unstable. It will eventually turn milky and yellow and become covered in tiny scratches.

Moissanite vs. Lab Diamond: The Comprehensive Comparison