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When considering an engagement ring or another piece of jewelry, you may be faced with the decision of whether to buy a diamond or a moissanite stone. Both stones are beautiful and offer their own unique features. While they appear similar to one another at first glance, there are actually several differences between moissanite and diamonds that you will want to take into consideration before making your final purchasing decision. Both diamonds and moissanites are members of the same family of minerals and have many similarities in look and feel. However, these two gems also have some key differences. Let’s take a closer look at 5 major differences between moissanite vs diamond and help you decide which gem is right for you.
What is Moissanite?
Moissanite is a rare naturally occurring gemstone that is physically and chemically similar to a diamond. It is sometimes called “fake diamond” because of its brilliance, fire, and luster. It is hard, at 9.5 on the Mohs scale, and non-allergenic with little impact on the environment.
How Is Moissanite Different from a Diamond?
Moissanite and diamonds are chemically similar, but the similarities end there. Key differences are the color, hardness, and cost. Moissanite is naturally colorless and harder than other gemstones, making it less likely to be scratched or broken. A diamond is the hardest natural mineral and is commonly used in jewelry.
5 Key Differences Between Diamond vs Moissanites
Brilliance – Diamonds are known for their brilliance, but moissanite is more brilliant than diamonds. This means that moissanite will appear brighter and shinier than a diamond. Fire – The amount of fire in a stone is the amount of light that is emitted from the stone. This is something that is largely considered when determining the value of a diamond or moissanite. Moissanite has more fire than a diamond. Luster – This is the amount of light that is reflected back off of the surface of the gemstone. Moissanite has a higher luster than diamonds. Hardness – While both diamonds and moissanites are hard gemstones, diamonds are graded on a scale of 10 on the Mohs scale while moissanites are 9.5 on the Mohs scale. This means that moissanite is almost as hard as diamonds. Cost – One of the major differences between moissanite and diamonds is the cost. While diamonds are a rare and valuable stone, moissanite is not nearly as rare. In fact, it is only found in small quantities in one or two places on earth. This means that moissanite can be produced much more cheaply than diamonds.
Bottom line
Moissanite is a gemstone that is similar to diamond in appearance, with many similar properties. It has a lower cost than a diamond, but has a higher value due to its greater brilliance and fire. If you want to buy ethically, want an alternative to diamonds, or are looking for a good value, moissanite is an excellent choice.
