Moissanite vs Diamond

Diamonds are undoubtedly a girl's best friends and till recently, this precious stone was not exposed to any kind of competition as far as its value, romantic implications and importance in specific occasions are concerned. However, along came competition in the form of moissanite and its various diamond-like gemological characteristics loomed large over the future of original diamonds. Before we embark upon dissecting the various aspects of moissanite vs diamond to uncover the similarities and differences between these mineral based gemstones, let's get to know each of these contenders a little more closely. Before we proceed, let me disclose one interesting fact about moissanite - most moissanites that we get today are synthetic as they are artificially synthesized in laboratories, owing to the extreme rarity of the naturally occurring mother mineral.

Moissanite is also known as silicon carbide as the former is a synthesized form of the latter. Silicon carbide was first artificially synthesized in the laboratory by Jons Jacob Berzelius to produce moissanite. The naturally occurring, extremely rare mineral moissanite was first discovered by Henri Moissan, after which it is named. Moissanite is one of the hardest known substance standing second only after diamond as far as its hardness is concerned. It was first produced as a substitute for diamond and meant to replace diamond as an abrasive agent and a cutting material. Its crystalline characteristics are also similar to diamonds as the covalent bonds that hold it together are surprisingly similar to those of diamonds.

Diamonds, as the majority of us know, is a carbon allotrope which is the hardest known substance on Earth and is mostly used in the jewelry as a precious stone and is industrially used as an excellent abrasive and cutting agent. The most unique quality of diamonds as gemstones is their fire which enhances their ornamental appeal and is attributed to its heightened ability to disperse light rays. Moving on to moissanite vs diamond, let's see if the former can really substitute the latter in terms of aesthetic appeal, industrial utility and - the biggest point of concern - cost.

Difference Between Moissanite and Diamond

Here are some points of distinction which prevent moissanite from being a perfect substitute for diamond. Check out what they are.

Points of Distinction	Moissanite	Diamond
Strength	Ranks 9.25 on Mohs scale for hardness	Ranks 10 on Mohs scale for hardness
Brilliance	Between a refractive index range of 2.65-2.69	At a refractive index of 2.42.
Fire/ Ability to Disperse Light	Dispersion of 0.104	Dispersion of 0.04333
Color/ Mineral Purity	Absolutely pure white moissanite does not occur, neither can be created.	Although rare, but pure white diamonds do occur.
Girdle (edge surrounding a cut stone's crown)	Always polished	Usually not polished

All this means that although moissanite is more brilliant than diamonds and has more fire, diamond is still the hardest substance of all and it still occurs in the pure, white form which indicates an absolute absence of metallic impurities. Now, as far as the cost difference between moissanite and diamond is concerned, a moissanite jewelry set would cost you only about 10% of what an identical set of diamond jewelry would cost you. That clearly means that moissanite is way cheaper than diamond but are as beautiful as the latter as far as aesthetic appeal is concerned. This is the reason why moissanite crystals are often known as simulated diamonds. In fact, unless you are a qualified gemologist or a veteran jeweler, you will never be able to make out the difference between the two!

Moissanite or Diamond?

Well, that depends upon a lot of things - your budget, your taste, the occasion. If you want to dazzle at that oncoming social gathering but are not comfortable spending a fortune for it, then moissanite jewelry is just the thing for you. Unless you tell anyone, no one's gonna guess that those aren't diamonds that you are wearing as moissanite does not contain many of the evident flaws carried by most synthetic diamonds. However, and this is my personal opinion, if you're shopping for a rock to wear on a very personal (read intimate) occasion such as your engagement or wedding, nothing equals the romance of a diamond! It's more than the rock itself, it's about all those romantic and passionate associations that diamonds come with that makes it so special during these events.

So, that concludes the various aspects of the debate on moissanite vs diamond. Being cheap substitutes of diamonds and having a strikingly similar appearance (though packing more brilliance) to diamonds, moissanites are swiftly garnering a lot of popularity. However, that doesn't threaten the popularity or preference for diamonds in any way as there are those moments in our lives which never seem complete unless they get reflected upon the facets of a well cut diamond. So, while you may consider gifting your girl a moissanite pendant this Valentine, don't think twice to head for that diamond ring when you propose!