Since the rise of Lab Diamonds, we’ve been asked more and more frequently whether there are any differences between Moissanite and Lab Diamond. Yes! There are a bunch! To start, they’re not the same gemstone. But perhaps more importantly, they don’t look the same. So, before you choose between Moissanite vs Lab Diamond, let’s make sure you are getting what you really want.
Right: Moissanite
What is a Lab Diamond?
A Lab Diamond also known as a Man-Made Diamond is a diamond gemstone that was made in a laboratory instead of the Earth’s crust. In fact, there is no chemical difference between a Lab Grown Diamond and a natural, mined diamond: they are both simply crystal-clear carbon. So, a Lab Diamond has the same hardness (10/10), the same look, and the same sparkle as a mined diamond. The only way you can tell it is a Lab Grown Diamond is if you have it tested.
Is a Lab Diamond the same as a Moissanite?
No. They are completely different minerals, with very different looks and different hardness ratings.
So what are Moissanites?
While there is natural Moissanite, it is incredibly rare and comes in tiny crystals. So for jewellery, gem scientists create it for us in a lab. Unlike Lab Diamond, Moissanite has a different chemical makeup. While Diamond is pure carbon, Moissanite is both silica and carbon. As a result, Moissanite sparkles differently (more!) and isn’t quite as hard as diamond.
What Are the Differences Between Moissanite vs Lab Diamond?
Right: Moissanite
- SPARKLE
One of the most noticeable differences in Moissanite is its sparkle. Actually, Moissanite sparkles more than diamond, and more colourfully than a diamond. Moissanite reflects about twice as much coloured sparkle as a Diamond does! Gemmologists call this “dispersion,” and Moissanite’s dispersion is 0.104, as compared with diamond’s 0.044. So, when you look at a Moissanite side by side with a Diamond, Moissanite is going to look like a firework.
- REFRACTION
Refraction means how a gem bends and breaks light apart. Diamond is singly refractive, and Moissanite is doubly refractive. So if you look into it at a special angle, all the facets are going to look doubled. Other gems which show double refraction include sapphire, tourmaline, and zircon.
- HARDNESS
Diamond is the hardest substance on Earth. So, on the Mohs scale of 1-10, Diamond is a 10! Moissanite is still an incredibly hard gem at 9.25/10 on the hardness scale!
- PRICE
Lab Diamonds, due to being harder, more traditional, and more sought after, command a higher price. So, when comparing Moissanite vs Lab Diamond, Moissanite is less expensive.
| Lab Diamond | Moissanite | |
| 1.00ct | $2,000-$4,000 | $350.00 |
| 1.90ct | $4,000-$6,000 | $665.00 |
WHO SHOULD PICK MOISSANITE?
Couples who want:
- A non-diamond centre stone.
- A super sparkly gemstone that doesn’t look exactly like diamond.
- A durable choice for their engagement ring.
- To pay a tiny fraction of the cost of a mined diamond.
WHO SHOULD PICK LAB DIAMONDS?
Couples who want:
- The hardest, most durable choice for their engagement ring.
- The exact sparkle of a mined diamond (a look no one will question).
- A gem with credible certification.
- Bragging rights of owning a “diamond ring.”
- To save 50-70% off the price of mined diamonds.
Where Can I Buy a Lab Diamond Engagement Ring or a Moissanite Engagement Ring?
Right here! Lab diamond engagement rings and moissanite engagement rings are some of our favourites! Because both of these wonderful gems are made by man, they are some of the most ethical, sustainable choices out there for your special ring.
Can you help me choose between Moissanite vs Lab Diamond?
We would love to, send Roxanne a WhatsApp on 0827889335, or email me at jewellery@roxanah.co.za I have no preference between Moissanite vs Lab Diamond, and will help you choose what is right for you.