The chemistry behind diamonds is very different from the science of moissanite vs diamond. Despite their similarities, diamonds and moissanites are distinctly different in brilliance, hardness, composition and color.
The brilliance of a diamond is a combination of how it reflects light, the colors that refract through it and scintillation on the surface of the stone. Moissanites, on the other hand, emit a multi-colored fire that makes quick flashes of rainbow color when moved around.
Brilliance
Moissanite is a lab created gemstone made of silicon carbide. This gem is similar to a diamond, but unlike a cubic zirconia, it has superior brilliance, fire, and durability.
It is ten times more durable than a cubic zirconia, making it a great option for couples looking for a high quality center stone without breaking the bank. It’s also a greener choice, ethically sourced and sustainable.
In addition to its brilliance, man made diamonds UK is known for its fiery rainbow flashes, which can sometimes create a disco ball effect in sunlight. While this type of dazzling is not always noticeable, it can make a difference at large sizes and in certain light conditions.
The hardness of a gemstone is another key component in its durability, and moissanite ranks as one of the toughest gemstones on the Mohs scale. Moissanites great refractive index and superior hardness mean that it stays bright and beautiful forever.
Clarity
Moissanite is a synthetic diamond, created in a laboratory. It’s also known as Silicon Carbide (SiC), carborundum, or star dust and was discovered by French chemist Ferdinand Frederick Henri Moissan inside of a meteorite crater.
Moissanites differ from diamonds in a few ways, most notably the color and clarity. According to Charles & Collard CEO Don O’Connell, “Moissanite has a higher refractive index than diamonds, which means it bends light differently and displays color in different ways. That’s what gives it its fire and brilliance.”
While most diamonds have some kind of flaw, moissanite has no inclusions that are visible to the naked eye. That’s the reason they are considered “eye clean,” like VS clarity or higher.
Color
Moissanite is a lab-created diamond alternative. It looks like a diamond, has a similar refractive index and GIA considers it the closest diamond substitute available.
Natural moissanite is extremely rare, as it was first discovered in Arizona in 1893 by French chemist Henri Moissan when he found particles of it inside a meteorite that crashed to Earth. Because it’s so rare, all of the moissanite we see today has been lab-created.
Although moissanite is often considered to be more transparent than diamonds, there are certain shades of color that may be present. The most noticeable difference is the presence of yellow or green tinting in larger simulated diamonds, especially over one carat.
The good news is that this does not impact the overall beauty of a diamond-like stone, and it can be easily remedied by choosing a metal and setting that will counteract it. In addition, the innate hardness of moissanite protects it from scratches and other damage that might affect the appearance of a diamond.
Weight
Moissanite is much lighter than diamonds – it weighs 15% less. This means that moissanite is usually sold by the size rather than by carat weight.
Moissanites can also be cut in a variety of shapes, ranging from oval to princess cuts and even pear. One of the most popular choices is a brilliant cut, which provides a uniform sparkle throughout the stone.
Another cut option is the cushion, which is similar to a princess cut but has rounded corners and stepped facets. It’s often used in smaller rings to give the appearance of a 1 carat diamond.
Conclusion
Moissanite can also be cut into a square shape, which gives it a softer look than a round diamond. This is called an Asscher cut and can range in size from 5.5mm to 6.5mm for a 1.3 carat diamond equivalent.
