Moissanite vs Lab-Grown Diamonds: What's the Difference? [2024]

Are you considering buying an engagement ring, but aren’t sure whether to choose a moissanite or lab diamond?

In this blog post, we’ll compare and contrast these two types of gemstones so you can make the best decision for yourself. Both stones have their pros and cons, but in the end, only you can decide which is right for you.

So keep reading to learn more about moissanite vs lab diamonds!

What’s the Difference Between Moissanite and Lab Diamonds?

Moissanite and lab-grown diamonds are two popular alternatives to traditional diamonds. But what exactly are they, and how do they differ from each other? Let’s take a closer look.

Traditional diamonds are made of carbon that has been naturally formed over billions of years. In contrast, moissanite is a silicon carbide crystal that is man-made in a laboratory.

As for lab-grown diamonds, they are created using a process called chemical vapor deposition (CVD). During this process, a diamond seed is placed in a chamber and exposed to high temperatures and pressures. Over time, the seed grows into a full-sized diamond.

So, what are the main differences between these three types of gemstones?

For starters, moissanite is significantly cheaper than both traditional and lab-grown diamonds. It is slightly less durable than traditional diamonds, but still making it a good choice for those who want a centerstone that will last for generations. However, moissanite does not have the same optical properties as diamonds, so it does not sparkle in the same way.

Lab-grown diamonds, on the other hand, are identical to traditional diamonds in terms of their physical and optical properties. The only difference is that they are grown in a laboratory rather than mined from the Earth.

Durability

Moissanite is an extremely durable stone, ranking 9.25 on the Mohs hardness scale. This makes it ideal for use in jewelry, as it is much less likely to scratch or chip than other types of stones.

In addition, moissanite is highly heat resistant and does not fade over time. However, it is important to note that moissanite is not indestructible. While it is very difficult to damage, it is possible to chip or break the stone if it is hit hard enough.

For this reason, it is always best to take care when wearing or handling moissanite jewelry. With proper care, your moissanite jewelry will last for many years to come.

Lab-grown diamonds have the same physical, chemical and optical properties as natural diamonds. But how durable are they? Are they just as tough?

The answer is: yes and no. On the one hand, lab-grown diamonds are just as hard as natural diamonds. They’re both graded on the Mohs scale of hardness, and both get a perfect score of 10. So, in terms of scratch resistance, you’re good to go with a lab-grown diamond.

On the other hand, lab-grown diamonds aren’t quite as resistant to high temperatures as natural diamonds. This is because the way they’re made (by recreating the conditions that exist deep within the Earth) results in some impurities being present.

These tiny imperfections make lab-grown diamonds slightly more likely to break or chip if hit with a hard enough blow at high enough temperatures.

So, if you’re looking for a diamond that will withstand everything life throws at it, then a natural diamond is probably your best bet. But if you’re looking for a cheaper alternative that’s still pretty darn tough, then a lab-grown diamond is definitely worth considering.

Color

While diamonds are traditionally associated with the color white, they can actually come in a variety of colors.

The most common color for diamonds is yellow, caused by the presence of nitrogen in the crystal structure. However, diamonds can also be pink, blue, green, or even black.

Moissanite, on the other hand, is always colorless. This is because it is composed of silicon and carbon, without any nitrogen impurities. While moissanite is often used as a cheaper alternative to diamonds, it is actually quite different in terms of its optical properties.

For example, moissanite has a higher refractive index than diamonds, meaning that it disperses light differently and creates a brighter sparkle. When it comes to choosing between moissanite and diamonds, it ultimately comes down to personal preference.

Brilliance

When it comes to brilliance and sparkle, both moissanite and lab grown diamonds have a lot to offer.

Moissanite is known for its exceptional fire and dispersion, which creates an increased level of sparkle. Lab grown diamonds, on the other hand, are noted for their excellent clarity and refractive properties. This results in a diamond that has exceptionally high levels of brilliance.

So, which one is right for you? Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference.

If you prefer a gemstone with more sparkle, then moissanite may be the better option. If you prefer a centerstone with more brilliance, then a lab grown diamond may be the way to go.

Price

As anyone who has shopped for diamond jewelry can attest, the price of diamonds can vary widely. And when it comes to lab-grown diamonds, there is an even greater range in prices.

So, what factors affect the price of these man-made gems?

The most important factor is the size of the diamond. A one-carat lab-grown diamond will cost significantly less than a one-carat natural diamond.

In addition, the quality of the lab-grown diamond will also affect its price. The better the quality, the higher the price. Of course, you’ll want to think about the 4 Cs - carat, color, clarity, and cut. But you’ll also want to keep your budget in mind.

For many people, diamonds are simply too expensive. Luckily, there’s another option: moissanite.

Moissanite is a gemstone that looks very similar to diamond but costs less. So if you’re looking for an affordable alternative to a diamond, moissanite might be the way to go.

Just keep in mind that moissanite isn’t as hard as diamond, so it might not stand up to wear and tear as well. But if you’re looking for a beautiful piece of jewelry that won’t break the bank, moissanite is definitely worth considering.

What is Moissanite

Moissanite is a silicon carbide crystal that was first discovered in a meteor crater. Unlike diamonds, which are made of carbon, silicon carbide is much harder and more durable.

As a result, moissanite has become a popular choice for use in jewelry and other applications where durability is important. In addition, moissanite is less expensive than diamond, making it an attractive option for those on a budget.

While moissanite may not be as well-known as diamond, it is quickly gaining popularity as an alternative that is both beautiful and durable.

Moissanite is harder than most gemstones, including sapphires and rubies. It is also resistant to scratches and damage from heat.

However, moissanite is not as hard as diamonds. Therefore, it is important to take care when cleaning moissanite jewelry.

Ultrasonic cleaners and harsh chemicals can damage the stone, so it is best to clean moissanite with mild soap and water. Moissanite is an excellent choice for anyone looking for an affordable, durable, and beautiful stone for their jewelry collection.

Is Moissanite Lab Created?

Moissanite is a silicon carbide crystal with a relatively high refractive index. It was first discovered in 1893 by Henri Moissan, a Nobel Prize winner in Chemistry. The vast majority of Moissanite gemstones on the market today are lab-created.

Moissanite is created through a process called chemical vapor deposition. In this process, silicon and carbon atoms are deposited onto a silicon wafer to create a silicon carbide crystal.

This crystal is then cut and polished into the finished product. silicon carbide Moissanite is an excellent choice for those who are looking for a durable and affordable alternative to diamonds.

is Moissanite the Same as a Lab-Grown Diamond?

If you’re in the market for a diamond, you may have come across moissanite. But what is moissanite, and how does it compare to diamonds?

Moissanite is a mineral that was first discovered in a meteor crater in 1893. It has since been found in very limited quantities on Earth, making it quite rare.

Unlike diamonds, which are made of carbon, moissanite is made of silicon and carbon. However, due to advances in technology, moissanite can now be created in a laboratory.

Lab-grown moissanite shares many of the same properties as lab grown diamonds, including its impressive hardness (it’s second only to diamonds on the Mohs scale) and brilliant refractive index. However, there are also some key differences between the two.

For one, lab-grown moissanite tends to be less expensive than lab grown diamonds. So, if you’re looking for a diamond alternative that is beautiful and durable, moissanite may be the right choice for you.

In addition, moissanite has a higher dispersion than diamonds, meaning that it breaks light into colors more vividly. It also has double refraction, meaning that light passing through the stone is split into two rays.

These properties can help distinguish moissanite from diamonds, although they may require a trained eye to spot. In general, however, moissanite is an excellent diamond alternative that is more affordable and easier to find than diamonds.

What is a Lab Grown Diamond

A lab grown diamond is a diamond that is created in a laboratory environment, as opposed to being mined from the ground.

Lab grown diamonds are identical to natural diamonds in every way, including chemical composition, physical properties, and optical appearance. The only difference between a lab grown diamond and a natural diamond is the way in which they are created.

Lab grown diamonds offer a number of advantages over natural diamonds. For starters, they are much more affordable. This is because the process of creating lab grown diamonds is not as expensive as mining for natural diamonds.

In addition, lab grown diamonds are more environmentally friendly than natural diamonds, since there is no need to mine for them. Finally, lab grown diamonds are often more pure than natural diamonds, since they can be created in a controlled environment without impurities.

If you’re looking for a diamond that is beautiful, environmentally friendly, and affordable, then a lab grown diamond may be the right choice for you!

Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Worth Anything?

When it comes to diamonds, there are two main types: natural diamonds and lab-grown diamonds. Both types of diamonds are created under high pressure and heat. The primary difference is that natural diamonds form deep within the earth over billions of years, while lab-grown diamonds are created in a matter of weeks in a laboratory setting.

So, are lab-grown diamonds worth anything?

Many experts believe that lab-grown diamonds are actually better than natural diamonds in a number of ways. For one, they are less expensive than natural diamonds.

They are also more ethically sourced, as they do not require mining or other damaging activities to extract them from the earth. Additionally, they tend to be more uniform in size and shape than natural diamonds, which can vary widely in terms of quality.

So, if you’re considering buying a diamond, you may want to consider a lab-grown diamond. While they may not have the same historic value as natural diamonds, they are certainly worth considering for their beauty, quality, and price.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between moissanite vs lab diamond?

The main difference between moissanite and lab diamonds lies in their composition and origin. Mined diamonds are formed naturally over millions of years, while lab-created diamonds are grown in a controlled laboratory environment using advanced technology. Lab diamonds have the same chemical and physical properties as mined diamonds, making them optically and chemically identical.

On the other hand, moissanite is a gemstone composed of silicon carbide. While both moissanite and lab diamonds offer brilliance, moissanite sparkles more than diamond. Ultimately, the choice between moissanite and lab diamonds for an engagement ring depends on personal preference and budget.

What are lab diamonds?

Lab created diamond is also known as lab-grown or synthetic diamonds that are created in a controlled laboratory environment rather than being mined from the earth. They have the same chemical composition and physical properties as natural mined diamonds, making them indistinguishable from real diamonds.

The process of growing lab diamonds involves replicating the conditions that occur naturally in the earth to create diamonds with the same crystal structure. Lab diamonds offer an ethical and sustainable alternative to natural diamonds, as they do not require diamond mining and are produced using advanced technology. They provide a high-quality and environmentally-friendly option for those seeking diamond jewelry.

What are the benefits of lab diamonds over natural diamonds?

Lab diamonds have several benefits over natural diamonds, making them a popular choice for diamond alternatives. Unlike moissanite vs lab diamonds, lab diamonds have the same chemical properties as natural diamonds, making them virtually indistinguishable from a real diamond. The primary advantage of lab diamonds is their ethical and sustainable sourcing, as they do not require mining and have fewer environmental impacts.

Additionally, lab diamonds are typically more affordable than natural diamonds due to their production cost. They also have the same hardness and durability as natural diamonds, making them resistant to scratches and chips. Overall, lab diamonds offer an excellent alternative to natural diamonds while providing the same beauty and longevity without any of the ethical concerns or natural flaws.

What are the benefits of lab diamonds over moissanite?

When comparing lab-grown diamonds and moissanite, both are popular choices for fine jewelry. While natural moissanite is a naturally occurring mineral, lab-grown diamonds are created using a synthetic diamond growth process. One of the main benefits of lab-grown diamonds over moissanite is their superior durability.

Moissanite is not as hard as diamonds, making it more susceptible to scratches and chipping. On the other hand, lab-grown diamonds have the same hardness and durability as natural diamonds, making them an excellent alternative for those seeking diamonds without the ethical concerns. Additionally, lab-grown diamonds have a similar appearance to natural diamonds, while moissanite has different chemical properties that may not appeal to everyone.

Are lab diamonds more expensive than moissanite?

Lab grown diamonds are generally more expensive than moissanite due to their production cost. While moissanite is an affordable diamond alternative, lab-grown diamonds are closer in price to natural diamonds. This is because lab-grown diamonds require advanced technology and a natural growth process to create. In contrast, moissanite is a naturally occurring mineral, although it is incredibly rare, and is not as valuable as diamonds mined from the earth.

While colorless moissanite may be mistaken for diamonds, the price difference is apparent when comparing carat weight and quality. Overall, lab-grown diamonds are an excellent choice for those seeking a man-made diamond with similar properties to natural diamonds, but they are generally more expensive than all the moissanite options available.

Do lab diamonds look like natural diamonds?

Yes, lab-grown diamonds look like natural diamonds as they have the same physical and optical properties. They are created in a lab using advanced technology that mimics the conditions under which natural diamonds form in the Earth’s crust. The French scientist discovered moissanite in 1893 and today it is used as a popular diamond alternative. While moissanite sparkles more than diamonds, lab-created diamonds have the same hardness and durability as natural diamonds and are virtually indistinguishable.

However, moissanite has different chemical makeup and often exhibits yellowish-green shades, while lab-grown diamonds and natural diamonds do not. Overall, when comparing moissanite vs lab diamond, lab-grown diamonds are an excellent choice for those seeking a diamond alternative that looks like a natural diamond.

Bottom Line

If you’re considering moissanite or lab grown diamonds for your engagement ring, there are a few things you should keep in mind.

First, moissanite is significantly cheaper than diamonds, so if cost is a concern, moissanite may be the better option. However, diamonds are more durable than moissanite and are less likely to scratch or chip.

Additionally, Moissanite is not as widely accepted as diamonds, so if you plan on selling your ring in the future, you may have more difficulty finding a buyer for a moissanite ring.

Ultimately, the decision of which stone to choose for your engagement ring depends on your budget and your personal preferences.