More and more people are choosing moissanite rings and lab diamond rings as engagement rings. Moissanite and lab diamonds are popular diamond alternatives and are also more ethical and environmentally friendly choices. Therefore, many people are curious about them. In this article, let’s dive into the differences between moissanite and lab diamonds, explore their respective advantages and disadvantages, and help you choose the one that’s best for you!
Table Of Contents:
- Is Moissanite a Lab Diamond?
- What is Moissanite?
- What is a Lab Diamond?
- Moissanite vs. Lab Diamond: What Are the Differences?
- Why Are Lab Diamonds More Expensive Than Moissanite?
- Pros and Cons of Moissanite
- Pros and Cons of Lab Diamonds
- Moissanite vs. Lab Diamond: Which is Better?
- FAQs About Moissanite and Lab Diamonds
Is Moissanite a Lab Diamond?
This is a frequently asked question! Many people think that this diamond-like gemstone is a lab diamond, and some jewelers even refer to moissanite as “moissanite diamonds,” which has caused a lot of confusion. In fact, moissanite is not a lab diamond. They are made of different chemical compositions: moissanite is silicon carbide (SIC), while lab diamonds are carbon (C). Keep reading for a more detailed explanation of the differences between moissanite and lab diamonds.
What is Moissanite?
As mentioned above, moissanite’s chemical composition is silicon carbide, and natural moissanite is even rarer than natural diamonds! Therefore, almost all moissanite jewelry on the market is made from lab-grown moissanite. Just like natural moissanite, lab-grown moissanite shares the same primary chemical composition (SIC) and possesses the same physical and optical properties.
Fun Fact: Although natural moissanite was discovered by Henri Moissan in 1893, Edward Goodrich Acheson successfully synthesized silicon carbide in a lab as early as 1891. (Henri Moissan initially thought he had discovered diamonds, but in 1904, testing revealed it was actually a silicon carbide mineral. Later, the mineral was named “Moissanite” in his honor.)
What is a Lab Diamond?
Simply put, a lab diamond is a diamond that has been produced in a laboratory, and it is also known as a “cultured diamond,” “synthetic diamond,” or “man-made diamond.” All lab-grown gemstones have the same chemical, physical, and optical properties as their natural counterparts. Therefore, the chemical composition of a lab diamond is carbon. The only difference between lab diamonds and natural diamonds is the environment in which they are formed: natural diamonds are created in the Earth’s crust over time, while lab diamonds are made in a laboratory. The only way to distinguish between lab diamonds and natural diamonds is through professional testing.
Moissanite vs. Lab Diamond: What Are the Differences?
| Factor | Moissanite | Lab Diamond |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | SIC | C |
| Mohs Scale | 8.25 | 10 |
| Refractive index | Double refraction：nω = 2.654; nε = 2.967 | 2.4175–2.4178 |
| Dispersion | 0.104 | 0.044 |
Moissanite vs. Lab Diamond Color
Both moissanite and lab diamonds are created in a laboratory, which allows them to be produced in all colors. However, the most popular color for both is white.
Moissanite vs. Lab Diamond Brilliance
Brilliance refers to a gemstone’s ability to reflect light, which is related to its refractive index. According to the table, moissanite has a higher refractive index than lab diamonds and exhibits double refraction, meaning moissanite shines more brightly than lab diamonds. Aside from the refractive index, a gemstone’s color, cut, and clarity also affect its brilliance! (Double refraction has both advantages and disadvantages: while it increases sparkle under light, it can make the gemstone appear less clear.)
Moissanite vs. Lab Diamond Fire
Fire refers to a gemstone’s ability to break white light into colored light, which is related to its dispersion value. The higher the dispersion value, the more vivid the colors produced. Moissanite’s dispersion value (0.104) is higher than that of lab diamonds (0.044). This means moissanite can create a strong rainbow-like fire, while diamonds tend to produce softer fire in cooler tones like blue and green.
Moissanite vs. Lab Diamond Durability
Durability is one of the key considerations for engagement rings and everyday jewelry. A gemstone’s durability is measured by the Mohs scale, where the highest rating of 10 corresponds to the hardness of diamonds. Since lab diamonds share the same physical properties as natural diamonds, they also have a hardness of 10, making them the hardest gemstones. Moissanite has a Mohs rating of 9.25, which is slightly lower than lab diamonds, but still ranks second among all gemstones, giving moissanite high durability.
Moissanite vs. Lab Diamond Price
Because lab diamonds are harder and a better substitute for natural diamonds, they are more expensive than moissanite. Typically, a 1-carat lab diamond costs several thousand dollars, while moissanite costs only a few hundred dollars. Prices vary by jeweler and are based on the quality of the gemstone and the final jewelry product.
MollyJewelryUS offers affordable, high-quality moissanite and lab diamond jewelry. Our 1-carat moissanite range from $300 to $600, while 1-carat lab diamond range from $1,200 to $3,000.
Why Are Lab Diamonds More Expensive Than Moissanite?
This is an interesting question. Since both lab diamonds and moissanite are created in a laboratory, why is the price of lab diamonds so much higher than moissanite? Let’s dive deeper into the reasons.
- Production Costs: Lab diamonds are grown by simulating the high-pressure, high-temperature conditions in which natural diamonds form. This process requires precise instruments and a significant amount of energy and effort. In contrast, moissanite’s production process is relatively simple and less expensive, making lab diamond production more costly than moissanite production.
- Market Positioning: Lab diamonds are marketed as identical to natural diamonds and the best diamond substitute. Through branding and marketing, lab diamonds are positioned as a high-end product line, which justifies their higher prices. Moissanite, on the other hand, has always been positioned as an affordable alternative to diamonds, making it more budget-friendly.
- Supply: The technology to produce moissanite is more mature, resulting in higher production volumes. Lab diamond technology is newer, so production is still relatively low. As the saying goes, “scarcity increases value,” and this is one reason lab diamonds are more expensive than moissanite.
Pros and Cons of Moissanite
If you are considering purchasing a moissanite engagement ring or jewelry, weigh the following pros and cons.
Pros:
- Affordable Price: Compared to lab diamonds and natural diamonds, moissanite is more budget-friendly.
- Excellent Fire: Moissanite has a high refractive index and dispersion value, giving it strong fire, and even more brilliance than diamonds.
- High Hardness: Moissanite is second only to diamonds in hardness, making it highly resistant to wear.
- High Clarity: Since moissanite is lab-created, it often has very high clarity, reaching colorless and flawless levels.
- Environmentally Friendly and Ethical: As a lab-grown gemstone, moissanite does not involve environmental damage or unethical labor practices associated with mining.
Cons:
- “Fake” Diamond: Many people use moissanite to imitate diamonds, but its intense fire makes it appear “too flashy” compared to natural diamonds, making it easy for experts to distinguish, which has given it a mixed reputation.
- Not Natural: Moissanite is a synthetic gemstone, which may not appeal to those who prefer natural gemstones.
- Lower Investment Value: Compared to lab diamonds, moissanite has a lower investment value.
- Clarity Issues: Due to its double refraction, the light reflected by moissanite can appear slightly blurred, lacking sharp clarity.
Pros and Cons of Lab Diamonds
If you are considering purchasing lab diamond rings or jewelry, weigh the following pros and cons.
Pros:
- Identical to Natural Diamonds: Lab diamonds have the same chemical composition and crystal structure as natural diamonds, making them virtually indistinguishable in appearance.
- Environmentally Friendly and Ethical: The production of lab diamonds is relatively eco-friendly, causing no environmental damage or conflicts associated with mining.
- Controlled Quality: Lab diamonds undergo strict quality control, ensuring that each one meets high standards.
- High Durability: Like natural diamonds, lab diamonds are the hardest gemstones, making them extremely durable.
Cons:
- Higher Price: Lab diamonds are more expensive compared to moissanite.
- Brand Impact: Lab diamonds lack the brand recognition of natural diamonds, and consumer awareness is relatively lower.
- Emotional Value: Since lab diamonds are man-made, they may lack the emotional significance that people associate with natural diamonds, which are seen as having greater meaning due to their long natural formation process.
Moissanite vs. Lab Diamond: Which is Better?
The best one is what suits you. There’s no definitive answer to this question because each person has different needs, so the answer varies for different individuals. Ultimately, it depends on your preferences.
Who is Moissanite suitable for?
People who meet any of the following conditions:
- Are on a budget and looking for cost-effectiveness.
- Want a stone that sparkles more than a diamond.
- Seek high durability.
- Are environmentally conscious and prioritize ethical, sustainable choices.
Who is Lab Diamond suitable for?
People who meet any of the following conditions:
- Want a gem that looks identical to a natural diamond.
- Desire the hardest and most durable gemstone.
- Are environmentally conscious and prioritize ethical, sustainable choices.
- Want a gem that retains higher resale value.
In conclusion, if you want a lab diamond, don’t settle for moissanite. Only choose moissanite if you genuinely desire it.
Related: White Sapphire vs. Diamond: Full Comparison
FAQs About Moissanite and Lab Diamonds
If you’re seeking a high value-for-money option and care about environmental and ethical issues, moissanite is definitely worth buying.
Yes, lab diamonds are real diamonds; the only difference is that they are created in a lab rather than formed naturally.
Moissanite is a genuine gemstone, but some sellers use it to mimic diamonds, which is why it’s sometimes referred to as a “fake diamond.”
The simplest way is by observing the gem’s brilliance and fire. Moissanite has intense sparkle and displays a rainbow of colors. Lab diamonds have a softer sparkle, with fire tending to cooler tones like blue and green.
Yes, many handheld diamond testers measure thermal conductivity. Since moissanite also has high thermal conductivity, it can pass a diamond tester.
Moissanite is more sparkly than lab-grown diamonds. This is due to its higher refractive index, which means it bends light more strongly than diamonds do. This results in a more intense and colorful display of fire.