What is the difference?
Moissanite vs Diamond, are both popular options for jewelry, but there are some important differences between the two.
First, it's important to understand where the stones come from. Moissanite is a synthetic stone created in a lab, while diamond is a natural stone formed deep within the Earth.
Hardness
When it comes to hardness, diamond is considered the hardest stone on the Mohs scale, with a hardness of 10 out of 10, while moissanite has a hardness of 9.25 out of 10. Although moissanite is very hard, it is not as strong as diamond.
The Mohs scale is used to determine the hardness, or toughness, of a gemstone. The scale ranges from 1 to 10, with one being the softest and ten being the toughest. One of the most visible differences between a moissanite and a diamond is the Mohs scale.
Price
When it comes to price, moissanite is generally much less expensive than diamonds. Due to its synthetic nature, moissanite can be produced in large quantities, making it an affordable choice for those looking for a lower-cost substitute. Diamonds, on the other hand, are considered a precious gemstone due to their natural rarity and high demand, which drives up their cost.
A half-carat diamond costs more than twice as much as a comparably sized moissanite at the lower end. This price ratio increases with size, and a 6.5mm moissanite stone costs around $850, or 80% less than a comparably sized 1-carat diamond.
Appearance
When it comes to appearance, moissanite resembles a diamond, but there are subtle differences between the two. Moissanite tends to sparkle more and produce more colorful flames than diamonds, which can make it more easily identifiable to those familiar with gemstones. Additionally, moissanite can sometimes have a more yellow appearance than diamonds, which can affect its overall color.
Diamonds are graded, with colorless diamonds being the most valued.
A typical moissanite appears quite "white" or "clear," but it is not colorless.
Sustainability
When it comes to durability, diamond is considered more durable than moissanite due to its higher hardness. However, moissanite is also considered very durable and can withstand daily wear and tear.
Negative impact
When it comes to the environment, it's important to note that diamond mining can have negative environmental impacts, including deforestation, water pollution, and the destruction of natural animal habitats. Lab-grown moissanite production, on the other hand, does not have these negative environmental impacts.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both moissanite and diamond are popular options for jewelry, but there are differences.