Differences Between Diamonds And Moissanite

Moissanite and diamond are both beautiful white gemstones. They are also both popular for use in jewelry. Many people have questions about the differences between diamonds and moissanite. When looking for a valuable and budget-friendly option, there are a few distinctions between diamonds and moissanite that are good to know.

1. These gemstones are similar to one another in their color, clarity and transparent appearance. However, Forever Classic moissanite has a yellow or gray tinge to it that diamonds do not have. Forever Classic is I-J in color. This color difference is especially noticeable in larger pieces of moissanite. In contrast, the premium grade of moissanite, Forever One, is much whiter, and comparable to the finest diamonds of D-E-F color.
   
   
2. The two stones also reflect light with different results. A diamond will create a clear, bright sparkle while a moissanite stone will give a reflection that is similar to a disco ball effect. This is because moissanite bends the light twice [double refraction]. This double refraction means that moissanite has more fire and brilliance than a diamond.
   
   
3. Another difference between these two gems is the hardness rating. A diamond is the hardest gemstone on Earth. The Mohs scale of hardness rates a diamond as a 10 while a moissanite has a rating of 9.5. This means a stone of moissanite is slightly more likely than a diamond to become scratched. Both stones are near colorless which makes them great for jewelry.
   
   
4. Moissanite is less dense than diamonds. Since all diamond jewelry is sold by carat weight INSTEAD of size, Joy Jewelers refers to the "diamond equivalent weight" of each moissanite jewelry item we sell. Moissanite's specific gravity is 13.0% less than diamond. What does this mean? A round moissanite stone that is 6.5mm in diameter weighs .87 carats. A diamond that is 6.5mm in diameter weighs approximately 1 carat. However, the setting that a jeweler uses for both stones is exactly the same, and the diameters and corresponding surface area of the stones are the same as well.
   
   
5. One of the other dissimilarities is that moissanite is almost never found in natural sources. It is created inside a laboratory. On the other hand, diamond is made of carbon, the most common element on Earth. Moissanite was first discovered in the remains of a crater caused by a meteorite falling to earth. It has since become a very rare find in nature.
   
   
6. Diamonds are more expensive by the carat than moissanite. A genuine diamond can be a costly item, depending on the carat, cut and clarity. Since moissanite is formed in a laboratory setting, it is much more affordable to source and set into gorgeous rings, pendants and earrings.
   
   
7. These two stones also have a much different impact on the Earth. Mined diamonds can lead to environmental impacts that disrupt the habitats of plants and animals where the mining takes place. Since moissanite used in jewelry is ONLY created in a laboratory under controlled conditions, it is clearly the more environmentally friendly option of the two.

Do you have specific questions that aren't answered here? Please read our jewelry guide