Moissanite is similar to diamond in appearance. However, they are very different in terms of characteristics. If you are choosing between a moissanite ring and a diamond ring for your engagement or wedding ring, you can read this blog. In this blog you will find a side-by-side comparison of moissanite and diamond. Let's learn more about the differences!
What is Moissanite?
Moissanite, a type of lab-created gemstone, is composed mainly of silicon carbide (SiC). Moissanite was first discovered in 1893 by Henry Moissan, a French chemist, in a meteor crater in Arizona. Natural moissanite is extremely rare, so most moissanite sold on the market is created in a laboratory. Moissanite is very popular today. It is mainly used in engagement rings, earrings, and other types of jewelry.
What is Diamond?
Diamond is a mineral that is extremely difficult to form in nature, and it is the carbon element that is likely to form into diamond under certain conditions of high temperature and pressure. Known for exceptional hardness, brilliance, and durability, diamonds are prized for their unique optical properties.
Comparisons on Moissanite Vs. Diamond Side by Side
Composition and Structure
Moissanite and diamond are fundamentally different in composition and structure. Although both gemstones are carbon-based, moissanite is mainly made up of silicon and carbon atoms, while diamond is naturally composed of carbon atoms.
Hardness and Durability
On the Mohs scale, diamond is 10, the hardest known mineral, and moissanite is 9.25, much higher than other gemstones. Because the C-C bond in a diamond is solid, all the valence electrons are involved in the formation of covalent bonds, there are no free electrons, so the diamond hardness is very high. But the moissanite is ranked only second to Diamond. Both gemstones are harder and more durable and are suitable for everyday wear.
Brilliance and Fire
According to the refractive index, which is determined by the interaction of light with the atoms or molecules in a material. Moissanite has a refractive index of 2.65 while diamond has a refractive index of 2.42. Both gemstones can exhibit exceptional brilliance and sparkle.
According to the dispersion index, refers to the ability of a material to separate white light into its component colors, creating a display of spectral colors. Moissanite has a dispersion index of 0.104, while diamond has a dispersion index of 0.044. Moissanite has more than 2.5 times the fire of diamond. The data discrepancy explains that the fire of moissanite is stronger than the fire of diamond of the same quality.
Color and Clarity
Moissanite is typically almost colorless and can have slight yellow or green undertones. Today, laboratory-created moissanite is available in a range of color options. Diamonds are graded on a color scale from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow or brown). The most valuable diamonds are colorless or near-colorless. Due to its synthetic nature, moissanite contains fewer inclusions than most other diamonds, resulting in an overall higher level of clarity.
Facet Edge Double Shadow
To compare moissanite and diamond, there is a simple way to tell the difference. This is to observe the double shadow at the facet edge. Moissanite is the double refractive stone and diamond is the single refractive stone. If you use a 10x magnifying glass to observe the moissanite, you will see the double shadow. When observing a diamond with 10x magnification, you cannot see the shadow. If you can see a double shadow, it means it's not a diamond but a moissanite.
Price
At the same quality and caratage, moissanite offers a similar look to diamonds at a fraction of the cost. If you are looking for a more affordable engagement ring, then a moissanite engagement ring is a great alternative to a diamond.
Ethical and Environmental Considerations
Laboratory-created moissanite is considered a more ethical and environmentally friendly option as it is synthesized under controlled laboratory conditions. Diamonds are formed deep within the earth's mantle under intense heat and the mining process will have some environmental impact.
Conclusion
I hope that this blog can help you to compare moissanite and diamonds, if you are looking for the cheapest moissanite engagement ring, Juyoyo is the best choice for you. You can find various well-designed jewelry at the most affordable prices here!