Moissanite vs. Lab-Grown Diamonds: Imitations vs. Diamonds

SparklySoul

Both lab-grown diamonds and moissanite are man-made gems that bring brilliance to many jewelry pieces. However, these stones differ greatly in their chemical composition, refractive properties, and durability. Let’s dive into the distinctions between lab-grown diamonds and moissanite to understand which might be the best choice for your jewelry.

Origins of Moissanite and Lab-Grown Diamonds

Moissanite was originally discovered in a meteorite crater in 1893. Natural moissanite is incredibly rare, so the moissanite used in jewelry today is lab-created. Similarly, natural diamonds are rare because their quantities are limited, which has led to the increasing popularity of lab-grown diamonds. Like moissanite, lab-grown diamonds are created in a laboratory environment. There are two primary processes through which lab-grown diamonds "grow" over time.

Both moissanite and lab-grown diamonds are produced in controlled scientific environments, which means they can be manufactured on a large scale without scarcity. While both stones have their own unique appearance and chemical properties, they are not inherently rare, unlike natural diamonds.

Appearance: How Do Lab-Grown Diamonds and Moissanite Compare?

When it comes to appearance, it’s easy to tell the difference between lab-grown diamonds and moissanite. While these stones may look similar at first glance, their light reflection and sparkle are quite different. Upon closer inspection, you’ll notice that lab-grown diamonds typically emit a white sparkle, while moissanite displays a rainbow-like effect, often referred to as a "disco ball" or "rainbow effect." This difference is due to the distinct refractive properties of each stone.

While diamonds (including lab-grown diamonds) come in various colors, the most common is colorless or white. Moissanite, on the other hand, may have yellow or greenish hues, and can appear cloudy if it accumulates dirt. Regular cleaning helps maintain its sparkle.

Hardness and Durability

Lab-grown diamonds have a Mohs hardness of 10, making them one of the hardest and most durable gemstones. This means they are highly resistant to scratches, chips, and breaks, even with everyday wear. Moissanite, with a Mohs hardness of 9.25, is also quite durable, but it is slightly less resistant than diamonds.

The Mohs scale measures a gemstone's hardness and resistance to scratching, and both lab-grown diamonds and moissanite perform excellently in terms of durability.

Chemical Differences Between Lab-Grown Diamonds and Moissanite

From a chemical standpoint, there are significant differences between lab-grown diamonds and moissanite. Moissanite is created in a lab by applying pressure and other processes to silicon carbide, resulting in a gemstone with distinct strength and birefringence properties.

Lab-grown diamonds, however, are real diamonds made from pure carbon atoms arranged in a crystal lattice. This structure gives diamonds their unmatched durability, reflective brilliance, and refractive properties. The chemical difference means that while moissanite typically emits a colorful, rainbow-like glow, diamonds — including lab-grown diamonds — usually shine with pure white light.

Due to these chemical and molecular differences, lab-grown diamonds are generally more durable and resemble natural diamonds, while moissanite is known for its unique colorful sparkle.

Grading and Documentation

When browsing lab-grown diamonds, you can opt for stones that are graded by reputable organizations like GIA (Gemological Institute of America),following the 4C standards (Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat Weight). Lab-grown diamonds are sold by carat weight, as well as cut, color, and clarity.

Moissanite, however, typically doesn’t come with such detailed grading reports. It is often sold by millimeter size rather than by carat weight, and it is usually not graded according to the 4Cs.

Conclusion

While both lab-grown diamonds and moissanite are lab-made alternatives to natural diamonds, they differ significantly in terms of appearance, chemical properties, hardness, and grading. Lab-grown diamonds offer a visually similar, durable, and chemically identical alternative to natural diamonds, while moissanite shines with a unique rainbow effect and is slightly less durable. Choosing between them depends on your personal preferences and priorities when selecting a gemstone for your jewelry.