Is moissanite a synthetic stone?
Rachel Ellis
Published Jan 15, 2026
All of the moissanite currently sold on the market is synthetic. As a diamond simulant, moissanite is superior to cubic zirconia in two ways. First, moissanite's hardness (8.5 to 9.25 on the Mohs scale) is closer to that of diamond; CZ by comparison has a hardness of 8 to 8.5.
Is moissanite synthetic or natural?
Myth: Moissanite, both natural and synthetic, are made up of carbon – like diamonds! FACT: Moissanites are made up of silicon carbide, a byproduct of carbon and silicon, whether it is manufactured or not. The reason natural moissanites are so rare is because silicon carbide is scarcely found in nature anymore.
How can you tell if moissanite is synthetic?
The most effective way to tell Moissanite apart from a diamond is to use a loupe to look through the top, or the crown, of the jewel at an angle. You will see two slightly blurred lines that indicates a double refraction, an inherent quality of Moissanite.
Are there any natural moissanite?
The largest known natural moissanite crystal, found along the Kishon River in northeastern Israel, measures 4.1 mm in its longest dimension. Photo by Vered Toledo. Synthetic silicon carbide (SiC) is well known in the gem and jewelry market as synthetic moissanite.
Is a moissanite a natural stone?
What is moissanite? Moissanite is a rare, naturally occurring mineral also known as silicon carbide, which was first discovered by the Nobel Prize-winning chemist, Dr. Henri Moissan, at the site of a massive meteorite strike in Arizona. This intriguing new stone was named “moissanite” in his honor.
23 related questions foundIs moissanite a fake diamond?
Moissanite is a diamond simulant made of silicon carbide. A diamond simulant is a stone that has a similar appearance to a diamond but is not a real diamond. It is very difficult to tell apart a diamond & moissanite, making moissanite a common diamond alternative.
Will moissanite pass a diamond tester?
Unlike faux diamonds and other gemstones, moissanite is also an effective conductor of heat. For this reason, when using a diamond tester that detects thermal conductivity, moissanite will pass as a diamond.
Which is better cubic zirconia or moissanite?
Moissanite has a toughness rating of 7.6 PSI while CZ is only 2.4 PSI. This means that moissanite is over 3 times resistant to breaking or chipping than CZ. Winner: Moissanite. It is harder than CZ by 1.25 points and three times tougher.
Why is moissanite so cheap?
Fortunately, Moissanite's lower price point is not reflective of its quality. The lower price point is simply a reflection of supply and demand in the engagement ring industry. While we are seeing a shift toward using other gemstones for engagement rings, over 90% of couples are still choosing Diamonds.
Does moissanite get cloudy?
As one of the hardest substances on earth, it is the perfect option for your engagement ring stone. Highly scratch-resistant and sparkly, moissanite stones will never tarnish or become cloudy – and we can guarantee this with a lifetime warranty!
Is a moissanite better than a diamond?
“Moissanite is the second hardest to diamonds on the Mohs hardness scale,” O'Connell says. “Based on rankings from one to 10, diamonds are a 10 and moissanite is a 9.25-9.5.” Moissanite is a very durable option for an engagement ring stone, especially since the material doesn't scratch easily.
Is moissanite worth anything?
Although moissanites are cheap, they aren't valuable. While we usually don't recommend diamonds as an investment (you'll almost always lose money if you ever decide to sell), they do retain some value over the long term and can be passed down as a precious family heirloom — something you can't do with a moissanite.
Does moissanite sink in water?
True diamonds have high density and should quickly sink to the bottom of the glass. Fake diamonds are not as thick, and therefore, more likely to float in water. This test is not always foolproof. Some materials that make up fake diamonds, such as cubic zirconia and moissanite, can sink if they are heavy enough.
Can the average person tell the difference between moissanite and diamond?
The average person absolutely can't tell the difference between comparable high quality diamond and moissanite.
Which moissanite cut is closest to a diamond?
Of all shapes, round cut moissanite most closely resembles a diamond. Round cut stones have very specific facets and proportions, and round moissanite has been able to be cut in a way that causes light to interact with it in almost exactly the same way it does with diamond.
Is moissanite rarer than diamond?
Moissanite is rarer than diamonds. Rarity is the availability or perceived availability of a jewel. Moissanite is by far the rarest jewel on earth. Naturally occurring quantities of Moissanite are so minute, they are not suitable for use in jewellery.
Which is better white sapphire or moissanite?
Is moissanite better than white sapphire? In terms of durability and appearance, moissanite is preferred over white sapphire. In terms of affordability, however, white sapphire is the better option. Ultimately, the choice is based on personal preference.
Is Swarovski a moissanite?
Moissanite does have inclusions like a diamond and it may also have a greenish tinge to its colour. Swarovski Crystal isn't a gemstone or even a crystal it's a form of glass that's made at high temperatures by melting silicon oxide powders with lead to form what is known as lead crystal.
What's the difference between lab grown and moissanite?
Moissanites are nearly as hard as lab-grown diamonds, scoring a 9.25 on the Mohs Hardness Scale. This makes them very strong and suitable for daily wear. Moissanite has a higher refractive index, helping them exhibit a different kind of brilliance than a lab-grown diamond.
Can you shower with moissanite?
Yes, you can wear your moissanite engagement ring in the shower. On its own, water will not harm your moissanite stone. However, repeated exposure to soap, shampoo and conditioner can create a build-up of oils on the surface of your ring. This can give your stone a filmy appearance, dulling its sparkle.
Does moissanite shine in the dark?
Fluorescence: Most moissanites also have a distinct fluorescence cast to them (weird display of light, that tends to look foggy, and most glow-in-the-dark).
Can moissanite cut glass?
Moissanite stones are not exactly as hard as a diamond, coming in a 9.25, but that's still plenty hard enough to cut glass and pass the last century's diamond test. In fact, that score makes moissanite the second hardest gemstone, just shy of diamond.
Is moissanite OK for an engagement ring?
Yes! Moissanite is among the most ethical, sustainable engagement ring choices out there. This is because Moissanite is a man made stone. So, no mining is needed to give you a perfectly brilliant Moissanite.
How can you tell if a stone is real or fake?
Apply heat test by using a lighter, if the stone melts down then it is fake (plastic) and if the stone remains solid then it is original.