Moissanite and diamond look similar at a glance, but they are different gemstones. Here is what actually differs.
What it is
Moissanite is silicon carbide, created in a laboratory. Diamond is carbon. Both are very hard and suitable for everyday rings.
Sparkle
Moissanite has a higher refractive index and more dispersion than diamond, so it shows more rainbow-coloured “fire”, especially in sunlight.
Hardness
Moissanite rates 9.25 on the Mohs scale; diamond rates 10. Both resist everyday scratches well.
Price
Moissanite costs a fraction of a mined or lab-grown diamond of similar size, which is why it is popular for larger centre stones.
How we label it
On Jewelpa, moissanite is always called moissanite. Stone sizes are given in millimetres with an approximate diamond-equivalent carat weight for reference.
