Moissanite vs. Diamond
What moissanite is, and what it is not
Moissanite is a gemstone made of silicon carbide. It was first found in a meteor crater in 1893 and is so rare in nature that every moissanite in jewelry today is grown in a lab. It is not a diamond, not a diamond simulant made of glass, and not cubic zirconia. It is its own stone.
Side by side
| Moissanite | Diamond | |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Silicon carbide | Carbon |
| Hardness (Mohs) | 9.25 | 10 |
| Brilliance (refractive index) | 2.65 – 2.69 | 2.42 |
| Fire (dispersion) | 0.104 | 0.044 |
| Origin | Lab-grown | Mined or lab-grown |
| Price | A fraction | Many times more |
What that means when you wear it
Moissanite reflects more light and throws more rainbow sparkle than a diamond, especially in sunlight. It is hard enough for everyday wear and keeps its shine. Up close, a trained eye can tell the difference. Across the room, almost nobody can.
Our position
We sell moissanite because we think it is a beautiful stone at an honest price. We will never describe it as a diamond.