Diamonds dominated the jewelry industry until scientists discovered moissanite. Today, the latter is a great alternative to diamonds due to their close resemblance. However, it is important to know that these two are different. When you learn more about Moissanite, you will realize that it is not diamond. Therefore, it is good to know the similarities and differences between the two stones before picking any for your jewelry.
Conventionally, both stones form underneath the earth’s crust under intense heat and pressure. However, researchers found moissanite as silicon carbide (SiC). Since that discovery, manufacturers make this gem in the lab. Therefore, we have a much more supply of moissanite in the market than it was in the past. As a result, the increased supply has led to a decreased price of this precious stone.
The Diamond-Moissanite Comparison
The close resemblance and qualities of diamond and moissanite confuse new customers in the market. If you do not know them, you can easily buy moissanite thinking it is a diamond. However, they are not the same. Here are some of the top distinguishing qualities between diamond and moissanite:
1. Hardness and Durability
Diamond is still the hardest substance on earth. It has a score of 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness. Moissanite has a score of 9.25, which is close to that of a diamond. Therefore, they compare well when it comes to hardness properties. However, moissanite is more resistant to scratches.
Moissanite is more durable than diamond due to its ability to resist abrasion and scratches. All the same, there is a slight difference in this quality between the two stones. However, lab procedures have improved, giving moissanite an undue advantage over a diamond.
2. Value and price
Lab-grown moissanite presents superior qualities for the same use as a diamond. Most importantly, the increased supply has led to more affordable prices of moissanite compared to those of diamond. In that case, moissanite gives better value for money. It is a good alternative for those working with a tight budget.
3. Fire and brilliance
Moissanite offers better fire and brilliance making the stone a perfect choice for sparkling jewelry. This is due to moissanite’s high refractive index. In addition, you can easily cut moissanite and that is important in producing high quality and smooth cuts to produce a better shine. Therefore, this is the stone to pick if you are looking for sparkling pieces of jewelry.
4. Ethical consideration
The mining of diamonds has produced instability in mine areas. These conflicts make such products unethical in the eyes of any buyer. Therefore, people tend to shy away from buying diamonds due to such concerns.
Moissanite is lab-grown and that makes it a better alternative under such considerations. The stone is not associated with any social conflicts and that makes it a favorite among those who defend such a cause.
5. Sizes and shapes
Diamond has limited options when it comes to sizes and shapes. This is mainly because it requires sophisticated tools and machinery to cut it. For that reason, you will not find many sizes and shapes, as is the case with moissanite.
Lab-grown moissanite comes with alternative sizes for use in making complex designs and products. Therefore, this stone beats diamond when dealers want to make both simple and complex jewelry designs. The more the varying sizes and shapes, the more options exist.
6. Weight comparison
Moissanite is less dense than diamond. It is a fraction of the weight of a 1-carat diamond. Therefore, it is perfect for making lightweight jewelry. Diamonds can still make light jewelry but some compromise is necessary to achieve a weight comparable to that of moissanite.
7. Cleaning and maintenance
You need to clean your gem as often as is you need to keep its glow. However, you will find an easier time cleaning moissanite than cleaning diamonds. All you need to clean moissanite is a soft cloth, warm water, and soap.
Final Thoughts
Diamonds are forever and are girls’ favorites. However, moissanite is increasingly becoming popular and fighting for space in the diamond-dominated jewelry market. These two stones have closely matching qualities despite their differences. Lab-grown moissanite continues to get better by the day. The manufacturing processes continue to improve and we expect the trend to continue.
