Moissanite vs Lab Diamond: A Complete Comparison

Choosing the right gemstone for your engagement ring or jewelry can feel confusing -moissanite and lab-grown diamonds, selecting the perfect gemstone for your engagement ring or jewelry can be difficult. Although they shine similarly, they differ in terms of cost, longevity, brightness, and general personality.

Everything you need to know before making a purchase is covered in this easy-to-use guide, which is presented without the use of complex gemstone science.

01. What Is Moissanite?

Moissanite is a man-made stone that was initially found in a space rock crater. Since the natural moissanite is so rare, all the moissanites now available in the marketplace are lab-grown, thus being an ethical and cheaper alternative to diamonds.

Reasons for moissanite's popularity

• Extremely brilliant (more sparkle than diamonds)
• Very affordable
• Ethical & eco-friendly
• Durable enough for daily wear

Moissanite gets its "rainbow fire" reputation which results in a very dazzling sparkle—particularly when the sun is shining.

02. Is Moissanite a Diamond?

No, Moissanite is not a diamond nor is it a simulated diamond. Instead, it is a distinct gemstone that possesses a different chemical structure, hardness, and light performance.

Moissanite vs Diamond (quick science)

• Diamond: Pure carbon
• Moissanite: Silicon carbide
• Diamond brilliance: Sharp white sparkle
• Moissanite brilliance: Fiery rainbow sparkle

Though they can be confused by a casual observer, the moissanites with their brighter sparkle and the diamonds with their muted but classic shine are still quite different.

03. Comparison Table: Moissanite vs Lab Diamond vs Natural Diamond

Feature	Moissanite	Lab-Grown Diamond	Natural Diamond
Origin	Lab-created	Lab-grown	Mined from earth
Hardness (Mohs)	9.25	10	10
Sparkle	Very high (rainbow fire)	Classic white brilliance	Classic white brilliance
Durability	Excellent	Excellent	Excellent
Price	Lowest	Mid	Highest
Ethical / Eco-Friendly	Yes	Yes	Depends on mining
Looks Like Diamond?	Similar but slightly more fiery	Identical	Diamond
Heat Resistance	Very high	High	High
Color Options	Colorless to near colorless	All color grades	All color grades
Best For	Budget-friendly luxury	Diamond lovers who want ethical option	Luxury jewelry

04. How to Tell a Moissanite From a Diamond

Despite their similarities, still, there are minor variations:

1. Sparkle Test

Moissanite emits more rainbow colors.
Diamonds give out more white and brilliant light.

2. Hardness Test

Diamonds are the most unbreakable substance at 10 Mohs.
Moissanite is a little bit softer at 9.25 Mohs (still very tough).

3. Double Refraction

Under magnification, moissanite reveals inner double lines.
Diamonds, however, do not.

4. Price Difference

In case the price is very low for a diamond, it is most likely moissanite.

5. Professional Testing

A gemologist can verify with:

• Diamond tester
• Loupe examination
• Thermal conductivity test

For the average consumer, the sparkle and cost are the most apparent signs.

05. Tips on Selecting a Moissanite

Moissanite is available in various qualities, so here’s how to select the best one.

1. Choose the Right Color Grade 

• D–F (Colorless): The brightest and most diamond-like 
• G–H (Near Colorless): Slight warmth but still sparkle 
• J+ (Warm Shades): Very affordable but a bit yellow

2. Pick the Shape Carefully 

Best shapes for moissanite sparkle are: 

• Round 
• Oval 
• Cushion 
• Radiant 
• Pear 

Shapes such as emerald or asscher have lesser fire, thus moissanite may appear more "glassy".

3. Look for Premium Brands 

Moissanites are not all of the same quality. Select the stones that are marked:

• Premium 
• Forever One 
• Super Premium Colorless 

These provide a guarantee for the better clarity and color.

4. Consider Your Lifestyle 

Moissanite is durable, scratch-resistant, and great for everyday use.

5. Check the Certification 

Trustworthy dealers will give you certificates that indicate:

• Cut 
• Color 
• Carat 
• Clarity

Final Thoughts

Moissanite and laboratory-grown diamonds are superb options. If you are after an extravagant yet affordable stone with superlative brilliance—opt for moissanite. If you are aiming at a diamond that is legitimate, responsible, and environmentally friendly—go for a lab-grown diamond. Either way, you are making a choice that is beautiful, ethical, and timeless.

FAQ

1. Is moissanite better than a lab-grown diamond?

Moissanite sparkles more and costs less, while lab diamonds look exactly like natural diamonds.

2. Which lasts longer: moissanite or lab diamond?

Both last a lifetime, but lab diamonds are slightly harder (10 Mohs vs 9.25 Mohs).

3. Does moissanite look like a real diamond?

Yes, but it has a more rainbow-like sparkle compared to the diamond’s white brilliance.

4. Which is cheaper: moissanite or lab diamond?

Moissanite is 50–80% cheaper than lab-grown diamonds of the same size.

5. Will moissanite get cloudy over time?

No — moissanite does not cloud and keeps its sparkle forever.

6. Can you tell the difference between moissanite and lab diamonds?

Most people can’t, but jewelers can with toNo — with a hardness of 9.25 Mohs, it is very resistant to scratches.ols.

7. Is moissanite a good stone for engagement rings?

Yes — it’s durable, brilliant, and budget-friendly.

8. Does moissanite scratch easily?

No — with a hardness of 9.25 Mohs, it is very resistant to scratches.

9. Are lab-grown diamonds real diamonds?

Yes — they are chemically and physically identical to mined diamonds.

10. Which sparkles more: moissanite or lab diamond?

Moissanite sparkles more with rainbow fire, while lab diamonds have a classic white shine.

11. Do lab diamonds lose value?

Yes — lab-grown diamonds have lower resale value than natural diamonds.

12. Is moissanite ethical?

Yes — moissanite is 100% lab-created and eco-friendly.

13. Which looks more natural: moissanite or lab diamond?

Lab diamonds look the same as natural diamonds, making them more “authentic” in appearance.

14. Does moissanite turn yellow?

High-quality moissanite stays colorless and does not turn yellow over time.

15. How do I choose between moissanite and lab diamond?

Choose moissanite for sparkle + budget, lab diamond for a real diamond look + authenticity.

16. Can moissanite pass a diamond tester?

Sometimes — it may pass heat testers but not electrical conductivity testers.

17. Is moissanite good for daily wear?

Yes — it’s extremely durable and perfect for everyday use.