What is Moissanite Diamond? (And Why It Deserves Its Own Spotlight)

Moissanite. Sounds sophisticated, doesn't it? As if, one is talking of something exotic or beautiful. And you know what? That's exactly what it is — the sole exception being that moissanite is not an "imitation diamond" or anything like that, it's a gemstone with its own fire, glint, and real history of where it was discovered that's literally off this planet (I'm not even kidding).

If you're actually buying and going out and getting yourself some piece of jewelry — maybe an engagement ring, for someone else, or just because you can and you need something bling-y, then chances are, yes, you can know about moissanite. And if you're sitting there weighing the pros and cons of whether or not you should be, hold on to your seat. We're in for a rollercoaster ride through everything that you've always wondered about in this heavenly gemstone — and why it's so effortless to capture your heart.

Also Read: Moissanite vs. Diamonds: What's the Difference?

The Out-of-This-World Origin of Moissanite

It All Started with a Meteorite…

No kidding — moissanite history is a science fiction book. French scientist Henri Moissan was examining a meteor crater in Arizona in 1893 when he discovered some tiny metallic crystals. Initially, he believed he'd discovered diamonds (they'd been so tantalizingly close). But upon further research, he was told otherwise, that he'd discovered something entirely different.

They consisted of silicon carbide — a mineral so uncommon in nature that it never existed on Earth. And because Henri Moissan discovered them, the gem later came to be named moissanite in his honor.

Here's the caveat: natural moissanite is extremely rare. So rare, as a matter of fact, that it would be impossible for it to ever be spotted being worn as jewelry. That's why the moissanite that appears in rings, earrings, and other baubles today is nearly always lab-grown. But don't be deceived — lab-grown moissanite is just as pretty (if not prettier) than its asteroid-borne equivalent. 

Moissanite vs. Diamond: What's the Difference?

Okay, okay, let's get serious now. Moissanite and diamond are so similar, in fact, that the new buyer can't even tell them apart from one another with the naked eye. Look closer, however, and you notice that they are really two fairly different gemstones, each with a multitude of advantages all their own.

Brilliance and Sparkle

And if you love sparkle then you're going to love moissanite jewelry. Moissanite's brilliance (or back light reflectivity) is actually superior to a diamond's.

That's because moissanite is more refractive — 2.65, compared to a diamond's 2.42. That is, moissanite more dramatically reflects and refracts light, making the beautiful rainbow-colored effect of "fire." Like having a mini disco ball in your pocket — but sophisticated.

Diamonds, of course, are extremely white and blue-colored. It's nice in itself, but for the absolutely best glint, moissanite is the champion.

Long Lasting

Diamonds are the top choice for engagement rings in part because they're just so long lasting. They possess a perfect rating of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale and are therefore extremely scratch-resistant as well as robust enough to wear every day.

Moissanite comes a close second. Its 9.25 Mohs hardness rating means that it's actually stronger than essentially any other gemstone on the planet — even rubies and sapphires. That's an ideal ring, bracelet, and other-object choice for daily wear.

Price

Get real — diamonds don't grow on trees. Prices can be like, "Is this a car or a ring?".  Silver moissanite jewelry is sometimes just a tenth of the price, typically 80–90% less than an equivalent-quality diamond of comparable size.

You get a larger, shinier stone without shelling out money and having to mortgage your house a second time. You'd want a 2-carat gem without destroying your finances and paying $20,000? Moissanite comes to your rescue.

Ethical and Environmental Repercussion

Moissanite is man-made. That is to say it's a zero-negative when it comes to any negative effect: no catastrophic mining, no conflict premium, no devastation. Just a gorgeous, guilt-free gem you'll adore wearing.

What Makes Moissanite Diamond Stand Out?

So still not quite seeing the big picture about moissanite yet? Let's take a bit deeper look into why this gemstone rocks.

The Unreplaceable Sparkle

Moissanite is not just pretty — it's stunning. Its intense refractive index makes light disperse and generate a rich, multi-colored fire more vibrant than even a diamond.

If you love jewelry that catches the light (and everyone’s attention), moissanite does not disappoint. It's a little firework blast on your arm.

A Timeless Gem

Moissanite's scratch and damage resistance, and hardness, make it perfect for daily wear. Worn as an engagement ring, a pendant, or earrings, you never need to fear getting scratched to bits or ruined anytime soon.

Moissanite, if properly maintained, will be as lovely and fiery years from now as the day you bought it.

Budget Brilliance

Be practical — none of us are budgeting for unlimited sums of money on jewelry. Moissanite gives you the best of both worlds: a beautiful, quality gemstone at a minuscule percentage of the cost of a diamond.

That leaves you with the choice of purchasing an even more beautiful, larger stone without sticker shock. And who wouldn't want that?

An Ethical Choice

If you care where your jewelry comes from (and you should), the green, ethical source of moissanite makes it the smart choice. You're being the smart consumer, avoiding the ethics war over the diamond trade by being the better consumer and purchasing moissanite.

Alright, let's clear up some myths about moissanite.

"It's Just a Fake Diamond"

Not so. Moissanite is a gem, period — with its own beginning, stardust past, and more fire than some gemstones. It's not imitating a diamond; it's forging its own path in jewelry.

"It Doesn't Shine as Bright"

In fact, moissanite actually shines brighter than a diamond — due to higher refractive index and lovely fire. For most fire, moissanite is the best.

"It's Not Durable"

Moissanite measures 9.25 on Mohs, which puts it in the highest category of hardest gems on earth. It's hard enough to wear daily and yet still shine eternally.

So if you don't mind shining a bit brighter for a bit less cash, then moissanite might be your ideal match.