Moissanite vs. Lab Diamond: The Comprehensive Comparison

More and more people prefer cost-effective, sustainable, and ethical engagement rings, like moissanite engagement rings, lab-grown diamond engagement rings, or other lab-created alternatives. The most popular natural diamond alternatives are the moissanite and lab-grown diamond. Understanding the difference between lab-grown diamonds and moissanite can be beneficial in choosing the best for you. Let’s learn more about moissanite and lab-grown diamond with Juyoyo.

Moissanite vs Lab Diamond: Origin

The first natural moissanite was discovered by Henri Moissan in Arizona in 1893. Natural moissanite is extremely rare. Therefore, almost all moissanite used in jewelry today is lab-created. It is synthesized by combining silicon and carbon under high temperatures and pressure to form silicon carbide crystals.

Mining natural diamonds damage the earth. Lab diamonds, also known as synthetic or cultured diamonds, are created in laboratories using high-pressure high-temperature (HPHT), and chemical vapor deposition (CVD) methods. They are chemically and physically identical to natural diamonds. However, they are created in a controlled environment rather than being mined from the earth.

Key difference: Both moissanite and lab diamonds are lab-created, but using different processes and materials.

Moissanite vs Lab Diamond: Composition

Moissanite is composed of silicon carbide (SiC), a compound that gives it its unique properties of brilliance, fire, and durability. It is a mineral that is different from a diamond and has its unique chemical composition.

Lab diamonds, on the other hand, are composed of pure carbon, just like natural diamonds. They are created entirely in a laboratory using advanced technology that replicates the natural diamond growth process in a controlled environment.

Key difference: Moissanite is made of silicon and carbon, whereas lab diamonds are made of pure carbon.

Juyoyo Pear Shaped Moissanite Rose Gold Engagement Ring

Synthetic Diamond vs Moissanite: Hardness & Durability

A lab-created diamond has the same hardness as a natural diamond. It has a rating of 10 on the Mohs scale, the hardest gemstone. This exceptional hardness makes synthetic diamonds extremely scratch-resistant. This makes them ideal for everyday wear, especially in engagement rings and other jewelry.

With a rating of 9.25-9.5 on the Mohs scale, moissanite is also very hard. Although it is not as hard as a diamond, moissanite is still very durable and is suitable for use in everyday jewelry.

Key difference: Lab-grown diamonds have a hardness of 10, while moissanite has a hardness of 9.25-9.5. Both lab-grown diamonds and moissanite are hard and durable enough for everyday wear.

Lab-Created Diamond vs Moissanite: Color

Moissanite is typically colorless or nearly colorless, but can sometimes have a slightly yellow or greenish tint. Lab diamonds can be created in a range of colors, from colorless (D grade) to various shades of yellow, brown, and even fancy colors like blue, pink, and green. Colorless lab diamonds have the same grading scale as natural diamonds.

Key difference: Moissanite can have a slightly yellow or greenish tint, whereas lab diamonds can be created in a range of colors and are graded on the same scale as natural diamonds.

Juyoyo Classic 7 Stone Diamond & Moissanite Engagement Ring

Lab-grown Diamonds vs Moissanite: Brilliance

With a refractive index of approximately 2.42, lab-grown diamonds exhibit exceptional brilliance and sparkle, creating a dazzling effect. Lab-grown diamonds exhibit single refraction, which means that the light that passes through them is not split into several rays, resulting in a sharp and clear appearance.

Moissanite, on the other hand, has a higher refractive index (2.65-2.69) than lab-grown diamonds and exhibits a different type of brilliance called "fire", which is a rainbow-like effect. Moissanite exhibits double refraction. This means that moissanite can reflect and refract more light, giving it a bright and sparkling appearance.

Key difference: Moissanite has a higher refractive index (2.65-2.69) compared to lab-grown diamonds (2.42), making it appear more sparkly and vibrant. Ultimately, brilliance and sparkle are the hallmarks of both lab-grown diamonds and moissanite.

Moissanite vs Lab-grown Diamond: Price

When it comes to price, moissanite is generally more affordable than a lab-grown diamond. That's because lab-grown diamonds are created using advanced technology that replicates the natural diamond growth process, which adds to the cost of production. Depending on factors such as size, cut, and quality, the price of moissanite and lab-grown diamonds can vary. A 1-carat moissanite stone can cost between $300 and $600. A 1-carat lab-grown diamond can cost between $1,000 and $3,000, depending on its quality.

Key difference: Moissanite is a cheaper and more affordable option compared to lab-grown diamonds. However, both moissanite and lab-grown diamonds offer excellent value for money. They are a more affordable and ethical alternative to natural diamonds.

Which is Better Moissanite or Lab-created Diamonds?

Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and priorities when choosing between moissanite and lab-created diamonds. To decide which is better, you can consider these factors:

Price: For those on a budget, moissanite is generally more affordable than lab-created diamonds.

Brilliance and sparkle: Moissanite has a higher refractive index than diamonds, which makes it sparkle and shine more. If your preference is for more fire and colorful flashes, moissanite is the answer.

Hardness and durability: Lab-created diamonds are slightly harder than moissanite, but both are durable for everyday wear.

Ethical concerns: Compared to traditional diamond mining, both moissanite and lab-created diamonds are ethical choices.

Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and what factors are most important to you when choosing between moissanite and lab-created diamonds.

Juyoyo Marquise Cut Moissanite Rose Gold Curved Twisted Wedding Band

Moissanite vs Lab Diamond FAQs

Is Moissanite a Fake Diamond?

No, Moissanite is not a diamond imitation or a fake diamond. Valued for its fire, brilliance, and durability, moissanite is a popular gemstone in its own right.

Is Moissanite a Real Diamond?

No, Moissanite is not a diamond, but a different gemstone with different characteristics.

Is Moissanite Lab-grown?

Yes, moissanite used in jewelry is almost always lab-grown. This is because natural moissanite is extremely rare and can only be found in very small quantities in meteorites and as an inclusion in other minerals.

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