Moissanite is an interesting gemstone, because it is both synthetic, and a diamond simulant. It is not, however, a synthetic diamond. It is a diamond simulant because it is made to look like a diamond. It is synthetic because it is made in a lab, but it is synthetic moissanite. The molecular structure is that of a stone that is found in nature.
A diamond simulant is not the same thing as a synthetic diamond. A synthetic diamond, like a synthetic sapphire, is created in a lab, and it has the same molecular structure as the natural material. It is, therefore, still diamond, it is just lab-created.
A simulant is something that is made to look like the original. So, if you faceted a piece of glass just like a diamond, because you wanted a clear stone that looked like a diamond, that would be a simulant. It is not diamond on any level. Rhinestones and Cubic-Zirconia (CZ) are two commonly known diamond simulants. Of course, these are not useful for engagement rings, because of the hardness.
Unlike other diamond alternatives on the market, Moissanite is HARD! Truly hard, not coated. With a hardness of 9.25, it comes in closer than any other gemstone to diamond. We've seen engagement rings with Moissanite withstand the test of time. Alternately, we've had customers send us other "diamond simulants" that they have purchased on-line, and because of our disappointment in the performance of the stones, we've even had them tested. The other most popular diamond simulant sold on line has a hardness of 7.5. Buyer beware! These stones look awful after a year of wear.
The other thing we love about moissanite is the SPARKLE! The layperson has a difficult time distinguishing the difference between diamond and moissanite.
And of course, being lab-created, moissanite is also ECO FRIENDLY! No earth was moved for this gemstone, making it truly the best eco-friendly diamond alternative available now.
Diamond | Moissanite | White Sapphire | Cubic Zirconia | |
Hardness | 10 | 9.25 | 9 | 7.5 |
Durability with Daily Wear |
Lifetime, very low likelihood of chips |
Lifetime, small chance of chipping |
Lifetime, will likely chip |
Up to a couple of years, surface will abraid quickly |
Color | Varies; D-H appears olorless |
Three versions: Classic is K-M, Brilliant is H-J, One is colorless |
Usually colorless, can have pale tones of sapphire colors, such as blue or yellow |
Colorless |
Origins | Natural or Lab Created |
Lab Created | Natural or Lab Created (colorless) |
Lab Created |
Dispersion (fire) | Very dispersive, flashes of rainbow colors |
Extremely ispersive, flashes of rainbow colors |
No dispersion; flashes are only white |
Medium dispersion, some flashes of color |
When dirty | Looks great even when dirty behind stone, still sparkles |
Looks great even when dirty behind stone, still sparkles |
Looks muddy and dull when dirty behind the stone (very unattractive when dirty) |
Looks dull when dirty behind the stone |
What Gives Colored Moissanite Stones Their Color? Moissanite with color acquires its unique shade as it is exposed to the extreme conditions that allow the stone to grow. The stone is exposed to superheated, pressurized gasses that begin to condense and form sealed chambers that make up the stone.