Diamonds are one of the most popular gemstones in the world. They are often given as a wedding or engagement ring, and they’re considered the ultimate symbol of love.
Because of their rarity, diamonds are also prized for their beauty and brilliance. They take millions of years to form in the Earth’s mantle; each stone is unique.
Hardness
Moissanite is the second hardest gemstone, only surpassed by diamond. It reaches a score of 9.25 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it durable and resistant to scratches and abrasion.
A diamond scores a ten on the Mohs scale and is the hardest mineral known to man. However, diamonds can withstand extreme temperatures, pressures, and chemical attacks, making them ideal for industrial use.
In addition, diamonds are a precious natural substance. Therefore, they can be used to create jewelry pieces like rings and earrings. However, their high price makes them impractical for the average person.
On the other hand, Moissanite, like those from Gema & CO, is manufactured in a lab and is available at much lower prices than diamond. It is also easier to find and is an excellent option for those looking to avoid the price tag associated with diamonds.
While the difference between diamond and Moissanite varies depending on how you view them, most experts agree that they are similar in many aspects. However, the two minerals vary in color, clarity, and hardness.
Moreover, diamond and Moissanite have different ways of conducting heat and electricity. Diamonds can presently conduct electricity, while Moissanite can conduct it indirectly.
Because of this, diamond testers typically test for thermal conductivity to determine whether a stone is a diamond or a simulant. They can also check for surface blemishes and internal inclusions.
Brilliance
When it comes to gemstones, brilliance is essential to set a stone apart from others. A diamond with an ideal cut will have the highest brilliance, as it is cut to reflect as much light as possible.
Aside from the cut of a gem, other factors can contribute to its brilliance. For example, the refraction of white light can make a gemstone appear more brilliant than it is.
In addition, a gem’s refractive index can also affect its brilliance. The higher the refractive index, the more it reflects and emits light.
Another factor influencing a gemstone’s brilliance is its symmetry and facet. A gemstone with many facets will produce more light flashes than one with few.
Therefore, choosing a gemstone with high symmetry and facets is essential. In addition, it will help ensure that the gemstone’s sparkle will remain even when worn.
The most brilliant fine gemstone on Earth, Moissanite has a refractive index higher than diamond. The brilliance refractive index (RI) ranges from 2.65 to 2.69, considerably more than a diamond’s 2.42.
Aside from its higher RI, Moissanite is also slightly softer than diamond on the Mohs scale, which measures a gemstone’s ability to withstand surface scratching. As a result, it makes it a better choice for engagement rings, as everyday wear will not damage them.
Fire
Aside from their dazzling appearance, Moissanite and diamond are similar in quality. However, while they both have a high refractive index, which reflects light more efficiently than other gemstones, some key differences make them unique.
Moissanite’s fire is much stronger than that of diamonds. It results from the gem breaking down white light into a rainbow of colors. Jewelers refer to this effect as dispersion, which makes Moissanite look so brilliant.
Because of this, the fire that Moissanite produces is 2.4 times greater than that of a diamond. As a result, it makes Moissanite shine more brightly and can be seen comparing the exact size of Moissanite and diamond.
As with any gemstone, Moissanite’s fire can be influenced by the amount of moisture it has within it. Therefore, the stone will not be as sparkling as it would otherwise if there’s excess moisture.
Another important consideration is its cut grade. Poorly cut stones won’t let light pass through their surface and produce beautiful glitter. Good cuts will enable the light to bounce around the stone, giving it a lifelike appearance.
Moreover, lab-created Moissanite is an environmentally friendly alternative to diamonds. It has a lower carbon footprint and isn’t associated with the human rights abuses related to diamond mining. It also means fine jewelry made from Moissanite is less expensive than natural gems.
Clarity
The clarity of Moissanite and diamonds can differ based on many factors. For example, a higher clarity grade is associated with rarer stones. In addition, Moissanite may have inclusions, or small crystals, within the stone that are not visible to the naked eye.
However, these inclusions must be more significant to cause an issue for most moissanites. If these inclusions appear in clusters, they can significantly lower the clarity grade of Moissanite.
Another factor that can affect the clarity of Moissanite and diamonds is cut. Moissanites can be cut into shapes, from round to oval and marquise. It can make them more similar to a diamond and enhance their optical performance.
As a result, they are ideal for engagement rings and other jewelry pieces. However, if you are still determining what shape and cut would be best for you, ask your jeweler to help you find a gem that will look perfect in the space you’re trying to fill.
Moissanites are also more durable than diamonds, as they’re on the lower end of the hardness scale. The Mohs scale measures how effectively minerals and materials can scratch each other, and diamonds are at the highest end of the scale.
