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In the debate of ‘Lab-Created Moissanite Vs Natural Gems,’ understanding the distinctions is crucial. While moissanite is a popular synthetic alternative to mined diamonds, it’s often confused with lab-grown diamonds and other diamond simulants. Those seeking eco-friendly, ethical, or cost-effective options need to be well-informed.
It’s important to know how moissanite, a lab-created gem, differs from a natural diamond and other gemstone alternatives, particularly when considering engagement rings. This comparison explores the unique characteristics, benefits, and differences between moissanite and lab-grown diamonds, alongside other colorless gems, helping you make an informed decision.
Natural Diamond Vs. Lab Diamond
Natural diamonds are naturally occurring gemstones composed of tightly packed carbon atoms valued because of their highly refractive (sparkling) appearance and hardness. On the other hand, lab, synthetic, or artificial diamonds are the synthetic version of natural diamonds created in a lab rather than mined from the Earth’s crust. Lab-grown and mined diamonds are essentially just crystal-clear carbon; there is no chemical difference between the two.
In other words, a lab-created diamond is visually identical to a mined diamond and has the same hardness (10 out of 10). Having it analyzed is the only sure method to identify a lab-grown diamond. [1]
What Is Moissanite?
Moissanite is a highly sparkling and hard gemstone used as an alternative to natural diamonds due to their close similarities, especially in appearance. Naturally occurring moissanite is very uncommon and only found in tiny crystals. So, gemologists manufacture moissanite jewelry in controlled laboratory environments.
The chemical composition of moissanite differs from that of natural and lab-made diamonds. Moissanite contains carbon and silicon, while diamond is pure carbon. Consequently, moissanite is less expensive than diamond and has a different (more) glitter. You can learn more by reading our blog, “What Is A Moissanite? Fully Explained.”
How Is Moissanite Created Vs. How Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Created?
Lab-grown diamonds, made from a diamond seed, are physically, chemically, and structurally indistinguishable from natural diamonds. The one distinction is that they are made in specialized facilities utilizing intricate procedures like High-Pressure High-Temperature (HPHT) or Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD). [1]
The mineral silicon carbide is the Earth’s natural source of moissanite. The beautiful gem is made in a lab by simulating the biological process using heat and pressure. Natural moissanite and lab-created moissanite are indistinguishable from anybody who isn’t an expert.
Mohs Scale of Hardness
With a score of 10 on the Mohs scale, diamonds are the hardest mineral known to man. Diamonds are unique in that their hardness scales do not follow a straight line as you go down the scale but rather a large gap between 10 and 9. [2]
The hardness of a diamond is one of its most appealing qualities; the stone’s resilience and endurance make it an excellent choice for bands that take a beating from everyday wear and tear. Still, chipping a diamond is not out of the question! They may be damaged.
What Are the Differences Between Moissanite and Lab-Grown Diamonds?
Lab-grown diamonds are created from carbon dioxide molecules in a controlled environment using state-of-the-art equipment to generate intense heat and pressure. The technique of generating diamonds with this technology is identical to the one found in nature. [1]
A synthetic diamond is created this way, miming the chemical and physical characteristics of a naturally occurring diamond found in the ground.
Diamonds created in a lab are not imitations; they are genuine diamonds since they are physically and chemically identical.
On the other hand, they will be much less expensive due to their lab-grown origins, eliminating the need for labor-intensive extraction from the Earth and a complex supply chain.
The certification and grading of lab-grown diamonds follow the same protocol as that of mined diamonds. They both undergo the exact cutting and polishing processes. The Mohs hardness scale continues to score lab-grown diamonds as 10, and their chemical makeup is identical to that of a diamond dug on Earth. [3]
The subject of whether a diamond is artificial or mined is a common one among customers. To the average individual, the solution could be more apparent. The two types are indistinguishable without a magnifying glass to make out the laser engraving on the diamond girdle.
Meanwhile, French scientist Henri Moissan found moissanite for the first time in 1893. Moissanite is a lab-created gemstone, and it has minimal environmental impact.
In a crater in Arizona formed when a meteorite struck the Earth, he discovered fragments of the precious stone. Natural moissanite is uncommon due to its extraterrestrial origin and the silicon carbide crystals that make it up.
Modern moissanite is a lab-created kind that was successfully synthesized for industrial use. Moissanite and lab-grown diamonds are both artificial, although they look incredibly different and have distinct chemical makeups.
A moissanite’s 9.25 on the Mohs hardness scale score puts it on par with lab-grown diamonds in terms of hardness. As a result, they are durable enough to wear every day.
The larger carat weights of moissanite are more valuable. In particular, moissanite is an excellent alternative to huge diamonds if you are looking for a white gemstone with a high-carat weight but are on a tight budget. The reason is that giant moissanite stones are more expensive than smaller diamonds of the same grade.
Moissanites have a unique sparkle compared to lab-grown diamonds because of their greater refractive index. It usually occurs in bursts of varying intensities and colors. This effect becomes more apparent in bright sunshine, especially on more giant stones.
A moissanite is graded in a completely different way. Because every moissanite stone is almost flawless in clarity, color is the only criterion for grading them, in contrast to the 4Cs used to evaluate lab-grown and mined diamonds.
Premium, which falls within the G-H color range, and Super Premium moissanite, within the D-F range, will be the best quality. Among the less expensive diamond substitutes, moissanites are priced according to their size and the difference between Premium and Super Premium.
Durability
The Mohs Scale of Hardness evaluates gemstones’ resistance to surface scratching. The Mohs Scale gives lab-grown diamonds a ten and moissanite gems a 9.25. Both stones are excellent choices for engagement rings and other fine jewelry because of their high ratings.
Brilliance
In contrast to lab-grown diamonds, moissanite stones display unique brilliance due to their unique faceting pattern. Their blazing, multicolored flashes capture every hue of the rainbow.
The refractive index of moissanites ranges from 2.65 to 2.69, making them twice as transparent as diamonds. However, the brightness, dispersion, and scintillation that give lab-grown diamonds their renowned sparkle result from more complicated light reflection.
Color
Diamonds created in a lab may have a wide range of colors, much like natural diamonds. They use the same D-Z grading system as natural diamonds, which range from colorless to pale yellow to brown and are widely acknowledged worldwide. [4]
Even though moissanites don’t have a grading system like diamonds, they may be very close to diamonds in color. Gems of moissanite, perfect for exquisite jewelry, may be completely colorless, almost colorless, or somewhat grayish or yellowish.
Refraction
“Refraction” describes the way a gem distorts and separates light. Lab diamonds and moissanite have distinct light-refracting properties. If you’re into gemology, you should know that moissanite is doubly refractive, while diamond is singularly refractive.
Looking at a moissanite stone at a certain angle causes all of its facets to seem doubled, as if you’ve had too many cocktails! This is due to the way moissanite handles light. Gems like zircon, tourmaline, and sapphire also exhibit double refraction.
You can watch this video to see the dazzling brilliance of lab-created moissanites on engagement rings.
Price
The price of a lab-grown diamond might vary greatly depending on its cut, color, clarity, carat weight, and shape, but it will always be less than that of a genuine diamond. Size, color, and clarity determine the price of moissanite jewels, which are much less than that of natural and lab-grown diamonds.
Where Does Cubic Zirconia Fit in?
Cubic zirconia, typically abbreviated as C.Z., is another well-known gemstone substitute. Cubic zirconia, a synthetic kind of zirconium dioxide, has a Mohs hardness grade of 8.5, making it softer than lab-grown diamonds. This implies that the faceted edges will gradually become rounded when the stone is worn and polished. [5]
The synthetic procedure that produces cubic zirconia also makes it more transparent. Although cubic zirconia is often colorless and looks like a diamond grade D, it may fluoresce a yellowish, beige, or white light depending on the ultraviolet light source.
One major perk of cubic zirconia is its low price compared to other diamond alternatives. However, toughness and longevity are the significant compromises. As time goes on, the luster and radiance of something will inevitably fade.
Comparing moissanite and zirconia, engagement rings made of cubic zirconia are unsuitable. Their durability could be better, and their shine will fade quickly, making them unsuitable for daily use.
While cubic zirconia is a popular choice for trendy jewelry, there are more long-term solutions for durability. Even in pave or side stone settings, they aren’t practical for engagement rings.
In addition to being “forever” and “a girl’s best friend,” diamonds are prized for their extraordinary hardness and breathtaking brilliance. Colorless diamonds are the most precious since they are clear and uncolored. These qualities are only sometimes present in stones, including moissanite and cubic zirconia.
Where Does White Sapphire Fit In?
It is common practice to think about white sapphires as alternatives to diamonds. Being the colorless analog of the sapphire gemstone, they share many of the former’s qualities while differing somewhat from diamonds in a few key respects.
The Mohs hardness scale gives white sapphires a 9, making them an exceptionally long-lasting engagement ringstone. They are the most uncommon kind of sapphires found in nature because they lack the trace minerals that give sapphires their color.
In contrast to lab-grown diamonds, sapphires will perpetually be plagued by inclusions. As a result of the crystal structure and production process of the corundum material, inclusions in sapphires are often rather prevalent.
Colored sapphires have the added benefit of inclusions enhancing the stone’s appearance. The inverse is correct with white sapphires. To preserve its luster, locating an eye-clean white sapphire is crucial.
A white sapphire could seem a little milky or hazy than lab-grown diamonds. The absence of scintillation, the diamond’s characteristic rainbow of hues, is why a white sapphire seems duller than a diamond.
This is the main advantage of a white sapphire over a lab-grown diamond in terms of cost. Like the other diamond alternatives we’ve covered, white sapphires won’t break the bank while still looking stunning.
We’ve seen that white sapphires aren’t the most enduring choice for an engagement ring. Due to normal wear and tear, white sapphires will fade rapidly and need frequent cleaning. Their strength makes them seem like a better alternative to other diamond alternatives, but you won’t be impressed by their look.
Conclusion
Customers prefer moissanite over diamonds mainly because of its lower price. Even while moissanite doesn’t have the hype as diamonds, it’s far more affordable and just as stunning.
Moissanite is an excellent alternative to mined diamonds for those who do not want to be associated with the blood diamond trade or whose values are not aligned.
However, the fact that Moissanite isn’t a diamond is its main drawback. When someone wants a diamond but cannot afford it or disagrees with the ethics of diamond mining, they will only buy moissanite.
FAQ
Can moissanite pass diamond tester?
Yes, moissanite can pass as diamond on a standard tester pen due to its high thermal conductivity.
