What Is Moissanite?

What Is Moissanite?

Discover the origin, brilliance and durability of moissanite—and what makes it a distinctive choice for fine jewelry.

Discover the origin, brilliance and durability of moissanite—and what makes it a distinctive choice for fine jewelry.

LAB-CREATED MOISSANITE Created in controlled conditions
EXCEPTIONAL BRILLIANCE Distinctive fire & sparkle
BUILT FOR EVERYDAY WEAR 9.25 Mohs hardness
STDIAM QUALITY STANDARD Selected for cut, clarity & finish
Lab-created moissanite gemstones showing brilliance and faceting
01 MOISSANITE ORIGIN

A Gem Perfected by Science

Moissanite is a gemstone composed of silicon carbide, valued in fine jewelry for its distinctive brilliance, durability and fire.

Natural moissanite is exceptionally rare. The moissanite used in modern jewelry is therefore created in controlled laboratory environments, where silicon carbide crystals can be carefully grown and precisely cut for consistent optical performance.

This controlled process makes lab-created moissanite a practical choice for engagement rings and everyday fine jewelry, while preserving the bright, lively appearance for which the gemstone is known.

COMPOSITION Silicon Carbide
ORIGIN Lab-Created
MOHS HARDNESS 9.25
EXPLORE THE 4Cs OF MOISSANITE →
Different moissanite gemstone shapes displayed on a hand
02 MOISSANITE VS. DIAMOND

Is Moissanite a Diamond?

No. Moissanite and diamond are two different gemstones, even though their bright appearance can look similar at first glance.

Diamond is made of carbon, while moissanite is made of silicon carbide. Their optical behavior also differs: moissanite has a higher refractive index and typically shows stronger dispersion, which can produce more colorful flashes of light.

On the Mohs hardness scale, diamond ranks 10 while moissanite ranks approximately 9.25. Both are highly durable options for jewelry, but they should not be treated as the same gemstone.

GOOD TO KNOW

When comparing moissanite vs. diamond, consider more than appearance alone. Composition, brilliance, hardness and price position all influence the final choice.

COMPARE MOISSANITE & DIAMOND ↓
Loose moissanite gemstones viewed under jewelry inspection lighting
03 IDENTIFYING MOISSANITE

How to Tell Moissanite From a Diamond

To an untrained eye, distinguishing moissanite from diamond can be difficult—especially once the stones are mounted in jewelry.

One visual clue is dispersion. Moissanite can display stronger rainbow flashes under direct light, while diamond often shows a different balance of white brilliance, contrast and colored fire.

Under magnification, a trained jeweler may also examine facet junctions and optical characteristics. For reliable identification, professional gemological testing is preferable to judging a gemstone from sparkle alone.

01
Compare the Fire

Moissanite often displays stronger colored dispersion.

02
Look Under Magnification

Optical characteristics can become easier to distinguish.

03
Use Professional Testing

Gemological testing provides a more reliable identification.

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MOISSANITE EDUCATION

Moissanite vs. Diamond

Compare brilliance, durability, color, origin and price position to understand how moissanite, natural diamond and lab-grown diamond differ.

KEY FEATURE
STDIAM Moissanite Lab-Created
Natural Diamond Mined
Lab-Grown Diamond Lab-Created
01
Durability Mohs hardness
9.25

Excellent durability for everyday jewelry.

10

The highest rating on the Mohs hardness scale.

10

The same crystal hardness as a natural diamond.

02
Brilliance Refractive index
2.65–2.69

Distinctive brilliance with strong dispersion and fire.

2.42

Classic diamond brilliance with balanced white light.

2.42

Optically the same material as natural diamond.

03
Color Visible body tone
Colorless Available

Available in bright, crisp and near-colorless appearances.

Varies by Grade

Color is graded across a broad range.

Varies by Grade

Uses the same general diamond color grading approach.

04
Price Position Typical relative cost
More Accessible

Often allows greater visual presence within the same budget.

Higher

Natural rarity generally commands a higher premium.

Varies

Typically positioned below comparable natural diamonds.

05
Origin How it is produced
Lab-Created

Created under controlled laboratory conditions.

Mined

Formed naturally underground and recovered through mining.

Lab-Created

Produced using controlled diamond-growing technology.

01
Durability MOHS HARDNESS
STDIAM MOISSANITE 9.25

Excellent durability for everyday jewelry.

NATURAL DIAMOND 10

The highest rating on the Mohs hardness scale.

LAB-GROWN DIAMOND 10

The same crystal hardness as a natural diamond.

02
Brilliance REFRACTIVE INDEX
STDIAM MOISSANITE 2.65–2.69

Distinctive brilliance with strong dispersion and fire.

NATURAL DIAMOND 2.42

Classic diamond brilliance with balanced white light.

LAB-GROWN DIAMOND 2.42

Optically the same material as natural diamond.

03
Color VISIBLE BODY TONE
STDIAM MOISSANITE Colorless Available

Available in bright, crisp and near-colorless appearances.

NATURAL DIAMOND Varies by Grade

Color is graded across a broad range.

LAB-GROWN DIAMOND Varies by Grade

Uses the same general diamond color grading approach.

04
Price Position TYPICAL RELATIVE COST
STDIAM MOISSANITE More Accessible

Often allows greater visual presence within the same budget.

NATURAL DIAMOND Higher

Natural rarity generally commands a higher premium.

LAB-GROWN DIAMOND Varies

Typically positioned below comparable natural diamonds.

05
Origin HOW IT IS PRODUCED
STDIAM MOISSANITE Lab-Created

Created under controlled laboratory conditions.

NATURAL DIAMOND Mined

Formed naturally underground and recovered through mining.

LAB-GROWN DIAMOND Lab-Created

Produced using controlled diamond-growing technology.

CHOOSING WITH CONFIDENCE

What Should You Look For?

When comparing moissanite, three details are especially useful: cut quality, how color appears in the finished setting, and the stone's actual millimeter dimensions.

01

Prioritize Cut

Well-balanced cutting strongly influences brilliance, fire and the overall visual refinement of a moissanite.

02

Consider Color in the Setting

Lighting and metal color can influence how warm or cool a finished stone appears.

03

Compare Size in Millimeters

Millimeter measurements can be more useful than carat alone when comparing visible face-up size.

Ready to compare real styles?

See how different cuts and proportions look in finished ring designs.

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Most Popular Moissanite Rings

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Loose moissanite gemstones being examined with fine jewelry tweezers
MOISSANITE GUIDE

Frequently Asked Questions

Is moissanite a real gemstone?

Yes. Moissanite is a real gemstone composed of silicon carbide. Natural moissanite is extremely rare, so most moissanite used in modern fine jewelry is created in controlled laboratory environments.

How durable is moissanite for everyday wear?

Moissanite is highly durable for everyday wear and reaches approximately 9.25 on the Mohs hardness scale. Its durability makes it especially suitable for moissanite engagement rings and other frequently worn fine jewelry.

Does moissanite pass a diamond tester?

Some traditional thermal diamond testers may react to moissanite because it conducts heat effectively. More advanced testing methods can distinguish moissanite from diamond by evaluating additional optical and electrical properties.

How do I clean and care for moissanite jewelry?

To clean moissanite jewelry at home, use lukewarm water, mild soap and a soft brush. Avoid abrasive cleaners and harsh chemicals. For additional maintenance advice, see our jewelry care guide .

What should I look for when choosing moissanite?

When choosing moissanite, consider cut, color, clarity and carat together. Cut strongly influences brilliance and fire, while color and clarity affect the stone's overall visual refinement. Carat should also be considered alongside the stone's actual millimeter dimensions.

Learn more in our moissanite 4Cs guide .

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