Moissanite vs Lab Grown Diamond: What’s The Difference?

From the time people have started hearing the buzz about lab-grown diamonds, we get asked this question quite often and that is: Which one is better: Moissanite or lab-grown diamond? So, here we are, in this blog, to discuss the similarities and dissimilarities between Moissanite and Lab-grown diamonds to help you make an informed decision.

What is a Moissanite Diamond?

Moissanite was first discovered in 1893 by a French scientist named Henri Moissan. He discovered microscopic particles of the gem that would ultimately possess his name in Arizona, in a crater produced by a meteorite that fell to Earth. 

He originally thought that he had discovered diamonds, but later found out that the crystals were made of silicon carbide.

The Moissanite we are familiar today with was successfully amalgamated for production and is now lab-created. Despite the fact that both lab-grown diamonds and Moissanite are artificial, they have a different chemical fabrication and very particular features when viewed in person.

Moissanite diamonds are almost as rigid as lab-grown diamonds, attaining a 9.25 on the Mohs Hardness Scale. This makes them very firm and apt for regular wear. Moissanite has a higher refractive index, leading them to display a different kind of brilliance than a lab-grown diamond. It’s customarily of a greater magnitude and in fiery, rainbow-colored flashes. This impact is specifically visible in sunlight and in larger stones.

The grading system for a Moissanite is completely distinctive. Moissanites will be one of the more reasonable diamond options, and their price is dependent entirely on their size and variance between Premium (G-H on the color scale) or Super Premium (D-F).

What are Lab Grown Diamonds?

Lab-grown diamonds are created in a lab from carbon dioxide molecules using groundbreaking technology to produce extreme heat and pressure. Utilizing this technology imitates the natural diamond growing procedure. The outcome is a man-made diamond that has all the similar physical and chemical elements of a mined diamond that are produced deep in the earth.

Our lab created diamonds that are voluntarily obtainable in an array of colorless collections and in fancy colors that are termed very scarce in nature, including popular shades of vivid yellow. Stylish colored lab created diamonds sell at relatively affordable prices compared to their natural colored diamond doppelgangers.

Check out more information about lab-grown diamonds here.

What’s the difference between Moissanite and Lab Grown Diamond?

Lab-grown diamonds, just like mined diamonds, are created from carbon. Moissanite is formed from silicon carbide. To the inexperienced eye, Moissanite looks like diamond — so much so that some users opt for moissanite jewelry and engagement rings for monetary reasons. But the chemical substance and the worth of moissanite is lesser to lab-grown diamonds. 

Lab-grown diamonds are pure diamonds, made of the similar material and graded on the same scale as mined diamonds. Moissanite is a diamond simulant that is graded separately and of lesser value.

Customers who go for moissanite jewelry often feel good that their gemstone didn’t need mining. But unless moissanite makers are using renewable energy to power their plants and laboratories, they are creating remarkable carbon emissions and likely depending on non-renewable coal. So, moissanite can rarely be called an imperishable diamond choice.

Let’s dive deep into the differences between moissanite and lab-grown diamond below:

Sparkle:

Usually, Moissanite will have more flash and sparkle than a diamond or most other gems. This means that it turns out to have more sparkle than a diamond. 

Moissanite is double divergent and is also cut separately to feature its overall shimmer. But the extra brilliance does not mean it is as reliable or valuable as a diamond. 

Price:

For the same size from the top sight, moissanite diamonds are significantly lower in pricing than diamonds of that size. Moissanite diamonds generally change in price only based on size and whether the stone is Premium or Super Premium. 

Whereas lab-grown diamond prices vary depending on shape, carat, cut, color, and clarity. 

Sourcing:

Because Moissanite diamonds are artificially created, they are a captivating option for those pursuing an eco-friendly gemstone as they need no mining. 

We go over and above the current industry regulations to provide both conflict free diamonds that have been chosen for their moral and ecologically liable origins, as well as lab created diamonds that are naturally grown with least environmental outcome.

Color:

Color is another element you can use to discriminate against Moissanite and lab grown diamonds. Lab diamonds are available in almost all colors as well as colorless ones. 

Conversely, Moissanite is obtainable in three colors. Colorless and almost colorless are among the colors available. You can also find the one with yellow and green shades.

Nevertheless, with the era of technology, experts can create colored moissanite. It’s critical to note that traditional moissanite had a yellowish color.

Hardness:

Diamond is the most stiff material you will ever witness. On a rank of one to 10, experts rank diamond at 10. Lab diamonds are no different in hardness either.

Moissanite, on the contrary, is a little bit smoother. On the hardness scale, moissanite is at 9.25.  You would observe that this is a little bit lower compared to lab diamond’s hardness.

Why is moissanite or lab diamond an excellent alternative for diamond?

Regardless of diamonds being appealing, it is expensive. Therefore, you need choices like Moissanite and lab diamonds because they will save you a lot of bucks.

Also, a diamond might be a sensational alternative with extraordinary sparkle, but other gems like moissanite are well-cleaned than diamonds. Subsequently, that makes them the best choice for those who love magnificent sparkle.

Conclusion:

As you have seen until now, moissanite and Lab diamonds have their advantages. They are both reasonable, unique gemstones, and the best choice for natural diamonds. So, if you opt moissanite or lab diamonds, we are sure that either will work well for you.

Nonetheless, you might want to know their slight differences, including refraction, color, hardness and sparkle, and price.