Moissanite vs Lab Diamond: Complete Comparison Before You Buy

Whenever someone talks about the moissanite vs lab diamond, and discusses its different features, both will get confused in its similar diamond qualities. If you are a beginner, believe me those market sellers can fool you easily. But wait! What about its price and composition?

Both diamonds differ in buying experiences, composition and prices. Worry not! This comparison guide will feed your mind with efficient information about both diamonds and I hope, till the end of the article you will not be the beginner anymore to choose a perfect choice.

You will learn many features about lab diamonds vs moissanite and will get to know what are its identification reports, gemstone quality and its prices. So without any further ado, please scroll down and read the article till the end.

What Is a Lab Grown Diamond?

As clear from its name “Lab Grown Diamonds” are types of diamonds created in laboratories, in controlled machinery, in a special environment. These diamonds are similar to real diamonds, but lab created. Real diamonds are rare, and taken from the earth beneath. Both have similar qualities, chemical and physical properties. Real diamonds are purely made of Carbon, so manufacturers arrange Carbon atoms through high pressure and high temperature which is called HPHT to create diamond crystalline structure.

So, this complete process creates diamond crystalline structure and makes the lab grown diamonds same as real diamonds, with similar physical, chemical and optical properties, which can shock anyone. Remember, lab grown diamonds are not moissanite, or Cubic Zirconia, they are different diamonds, stimulant or diamond alternatives. That is why FTC mentions for American shoppers, only purchase from those sellers, who tell the difference not to hide its different qualities.

What Is Moissanite?

Moissnaite is a separate thing, actually it is a diamond alternative not a real diamond. It is very rare on earth but very famous in the diamond market. That is why manufactures created these alternative diamonds in laboratories to fill the market cap. It is not a pure carbon but created with the mixture of Silicon and carbon called silicon carbide. But why do people call it a lab-grown diamond? Lab grown diamond and lab-grown diamond alternatives are two different things. One is created with pure carbon which are real diamonds, the other is created with silicon carbide which is a diamond alternative not a real one.

AP Royal Oak Full Pave Diamond Dial Black Stick Markers Diamond Bezel Fully Iced Out Moissanite Watch

$939.00 $1,631.00

AP Royal Oak Fully Iced Out White Dial Arabic Numerals Diamond Bezel Moissanite Diamond Bracelet

$939.00 $1,489.00

Rolex Sky-Dweller Yellow Dial Standard Numerals Diamond Bezel Yellow Gold Fully Iced Moissanite Diamond Oyster Bracelet Watch

$939.00 $1,653.00

Rolex Datejust Diamond Stick Markers Dial Diamond Bezel Iced Out Moissanite Diamond Oyster Bracelet

$1,039.00 $1,647.00

Cartier Santos Black Arabic Numerals White Dial Diamond Bezel Fully Iced Moissanite Diamond For Women

$939.00 $1,459.00

Rolex Datejust Diamond Paved Dial Black Arabic Numerals Diamond Bezel Fully Iced Moissanite Diamond Jubilee Bracelet

$939.00 $1,515.00

Cartier Santos Yellow Gold Dial Red Arabic Numerals Diamond Bezel Bust Down Moissanite Diamond Watch

$939.00 $1,537.00

Patek Philippe Nautilus Rose Gold Full Pave Dial Large Round Diamond Bezel Fully Iced Moissanite Diamond

$939.00 $1,597.00

But why are moissanite diamonds more famous than any other diamond alternatives like Zubic Zerconica? This all is because of its sparkle, shine, rainbow fire, larger size then real diamonds and affordable price. It has 9.2 hardness on Mohs scale, very near to the real diamonds which is 10. That is the reason moissanite bends the light strongly and creates heavy flashes and rainbow fire, and this is the reason it catches american shoppers eyes in the diamond market.

Is Moissanite a Lab Grown Diamond?

No, but a lab-grown diamond alternative. I was in the same confusion a week ago, but then I searched throughout the internet, and watching different videos and realized that these both stones are created in laboratories but one called lab grown diamond and the other one I mean the moissanite called lab-grown diamond alternative.

Lab-grown diamonds contain carbon same like diamonds taken from the earth, so there is no difference between rare diamonds and lab-grown diamonds because both have similar shine, color and sparkle like genuine. On the other side, a lab-created diamond alternative (moissanite) contains silicon carbide, makes it different from the real diamonds and has distinct diamond features.

That is why FTC forces the jewelers to explain the difference to the buyers between diamond alternatives and real lab grown diamonds.

Moissanite vs Lab Diamond: Key Differences Explained

As we discussed some key differences between both moissanite and lab created diamonds. It is time to explain each in detail. These differences will include size, color, hardness and prices. These are the details which keep both diamonds different from each other and are called lab-grown diamond comparison.

Hardness and Daily Durability

We have already discussed this point in the above article, that moissanite has 9.2 hardness on Mohs scale and real diamond has 10. There is a very low difference in hardness between both gemstones, that is why moissanite bends the light like real diamonds and creates quick flashes while slightly moving it.

This hardness does not mean strong like metal, still you will have to be careful while washing dishes, swimming and walking in a rush.

Sparkle, Fire, and Brilliance

Due to strong hardness score, moissanite creates light dispersion which is called rainbow fire and this is only because of higher refractive index. Bends the light very strongly which creates huge sparkles and quick flashes. These flashes created rainbow fire. On the other side, lab diamonds created white light which creates balanced fire not like a rainbow. This balanced fire looks like crisp scintillation while moving the stone slightly.

Price, Size, and Value

In comparing moissanite price vs diamond, there is a clear winner, and that is moissanite, extremely affordable which comes easily in a tight budget. Because the diamond has a large size, clear view like diamonds, smart buyers convert easily. Keep in mind that moissanite weighs less than a real diamond but is large in size. So, if both stones are looking equal, it doesn't mean they both have the same weight.

Moissanite vs Lab Diamond Side-by-Side Comparison Table

To analyse both diamonds differences easily, I have gathered the information about the moissanite vs lab diamond, why they are different from each other, cutting, manufacturing standards and the proportions difference, etc. You can scan the whole table in a few seconds to get all the essential information.

Which Stone Is Better for an Engagement Ring?

Both diamond and moissanite are considered the best options for an engagement. But to get the full advantage, go for the moissanite as it has a larger look, huge sparkle and shine, and the most important point, very affordable. So, one can easily purchase moissanite diamonds at an affordable price and can keep the rest of the money for other engagement expenses.

Best Stone by Buyer Priority

Both diamonds have its own aura, look and sparkle. The real diamond has white brilliance and balance shine while the moissanite has a huge sparkle, larger size and affordable price. If it is lab grown diamond, or moissanite, but 100% care is important either purchasing the first one or second. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Following are the trending queries which I found on the internet, each I have answered shortly.

Are moissanite and lab-grown diamonds the same?

No and never. Lab grown diamonds have a crystal structure and pure carbon made. Moissanite is the combination of Silicon and Carbon, called silicon carbide. Both gemstones are created in laboratories, but have different features.

Is moissanite a real gemstone?

Yes, moissanite is a genuine gemstone, but very rare on earth. That is why it is created in laboratories. But it is not the genuine diamond which is very expensive. So you can consider it a type of gemstone at a low price. Smart buyers also called it a diamond stimulant or alternative option.

Is a lab-grown diamond a real diamond?

Yes, because it is created with pure carbon, the same composition as a real diamond. Furthermore, it has crystal structure and the same physical properties.

Can moissanite pass a diamond tester?

Yes, moissanite passes a diamond tester, but those which are old models, not the new one. Old models consider the moissanite a real diamond because of its hardness, which is 9.2 on Mohs scale.

Which stone lasts longer?

Of course, the real diamond lasts longer but moissanite is very near to it. Other diamonds such as Cubic Zirconia have lower scratch resistance and the best option for short term use.

Final Thoughts

So it was all about the two beautiful gemstones, moissanite vs lab diamond. Both are lab grown diamonds, because diamonds and moissanite are rare on earth so created in a lab in a controlled machinery. Still diamonds are pure carbon made, have charm and history, and offer a wealthy look.

But moissanite with a huge sparkle, rainbow fire, large size and affordability attracts the smart buyers to itself. Still, you will have to check the paper work, diamond quality, and yes, avoid the seller's soft words. Choose the one which suits your budget and fashion taste. Best of luck for your purchase.