What Is Moissanite? Should You Buy Moissanite or Diamonds?
Key Takeaways
- Moissanite Stone is famous for its sparkling beauty, high hardness, and reasonable price, making it a popular stone in the jewelry industry. Join Jemmia to learn about Moissanite stone in the article...
Moissanite Stone is famous for its sparkling beauty, high hardness, and reasonable price, making it a popular stone in the jewelry industry. Join Jemmia to learn about Moissanite stone in the article below!
Learn about Moissanite stone
The emergence of Moissanite stone marked an important turning point in the jewelry industry. Let’s find out what Moissanite stone is, its origin, and how it is created below.
What is Moissanite stone?
Moissanite stone is also known as synthetic Mois gemstone, created from the mineral Carborundum or Silicon Carbide (SiC). The stone has a hardness of 9.5/10 on the Mohs scale, second only to natural diamond at 10/10.
Moissanite stone is regarded as one of the hardest materials on Earth. Therefore, this stone has extremely good scratch and impact resistance, making it an ideal material for jewelry making.
Moissanite stone is also called synthetic Mois gemstone
However, in the Vietnamese market, some sellers have intentionally confused the concepts, associating Moissanite with the name “artificial diamond” to attract customers. This is completely inaccurate because the nature of Moissanite stone and diamond is entirely different.
Origin of Moissanite stone
In 1893, the French scientist Henri Moissan, while researching rock samples from a meteor crater in Canyon Diablo, unexpectedly discovered a new mineral. At first, he mistook it for a natural diamond because of its sparkling appearance and impressive hardness.
However, by 1904, after careful analysis, he determined the true nature of this stone and named it silicon carbide (SiC). To recognize the great contribution of Henri Moissan, people later renamed this stone Moissanite to honor this outstanding scientist.
Origin of Moissanite stone
How Moissanite stone is created
Naturally occurring Moissanite is often found in meteorites and diamond mines. However, because market demand has risen while mining reserves are limited, it has been produced in laboratories.
Through thermal decomposition, synthetic Moissanite is created by combining carbon and silicon. After obtaining rough Moissanite crystals, they are then carefully cut and polished to create sparkling and brilliant gemstones.
Meaning of Moissanite stone
A Moissanite gem not only attracts attention with its sparkling beauty but also with the profound spiritual meanings hidden within. Moissanite stone symbolizes:
- Eternal love: With the second-highest hardness after diamond, Moissanite symbolizes strong commitment, loyalty, and everlasting love.
- Radiance: Moissanite shines brilliantly as a symbol of joy, optimism, and positive energy.
- Luxury: The refined and luxurious beauty of Moissanite adds elegance and class to its owner.
A Moissanite gem not only attracts with its sparkling beauty but also carries many meanings
Types of Moissanite stone
There are many types of Moissanite stone on the market; below are some common ones:
Natural Moissanite stone
The first Moissanite known to humans was natural Moissanite, discovered by a French scientist from meteorite fragments from asteroids and meteors falling to Earth. Natural Moissanite offers a characteristic sparkle and impressive hardness. However, due to its limited quantity, natural Moissanite is quite difficult to find and is more expensive than other types of Moissanite.
Natural Moissanite stone
Synthetic Moissanite stone
Synthetic Moissanite is created in laboratories through the crystal synthesis process of Silicon Carbide. Today, this stone dominates the gemstone market because of its popularity and affordable price. Thanks to advanced technology, synthetic Moissanite can be crafted in many sizes, colors, and levels of brilliance, meeting all consumer needs and preferences.
Synthetic Moissanite stone
Composite Moissanite stone
Combining the advantages of both natural and synthetic Moissanite, composite Moissanite stone offers sparkling beauty, high hardness, and a reasonable price. It is a smart choice for those who love the sparkling, noble beauty of Moissanite at an affordable price.
Composite Moissanite stone
Forever One Moissanite stone
Forever One Moissanite is a premium type of Moissanite known for its highest brightness and quality, produced by Charles & Colvard. With a light reflection ability nearly equal to natural diamond and excellent brilliance, Forever One is widely used to craft jewelry.
Forever One Moissanite stone
Amora Moissanite stone
Amora Moissanite is a premium form of Moissanite stone produced by Amora Gems. With advanced technology, this stone has exceptional brilliance and sparkle comparable to natural diamonds. Amora Moissanite is known for its high hardness and is considered the most beautiful and valuable synthetic Moissanite available today.
Amora Moissanite stone
NEO Moissanite stone
NEO Moissanite stone is produced by NEO Moissanite using an optimized process. With this process, the produced NEO Moissanite stone has brilliance, sparkle, and hardness nearly similar to natural diamond. This stone is considered one of the most beautiful types of Moissanite on the market today.
NEO Moissanite stone
Properties of Moissanite stone
Moissanite stone has its own unique properties and characteristics, different from other gemstones. Below are 4 special properties of Moissanite stone:
- Color: Moissanite stone is also graded by color like diamonds. The stone usually has slightly yellow, gray, or light brown tones. The larger the Moissanite, the more visible its color becomes.
- Clarity: Most Moissanite on the market is created in laboratory environments. Therefore, each stone possesses almost absolute clarity, with no or very few inclusions.
- Dispersion: A standout feature of Moissanite is its light dispersion ability, 2.4 times higher than that of diamonds. With a refractive index from 2.65 to 2.69, Moissanite bends light, creating brilliant sparkling rays with a colorful rainbow effect.
- Hardness: Moissanite reaches 9.5/10 on the Mohs hardness scale, second only to diamond (10/10 Mohs). Its high hardness helps Moissanite resist scratches and impacts well, ensuring long-lasting beauty and durability in jewelry making.
Properties of Moissanite stone
How are Moissanite stone and diamond different?
At first glance, Moissanite stone and diamond can easily be confused because of their similar appearance. However, when you look more closely, you will notice many differences between the two.
- About the color scale: Moissanite stone uses a Moissanite color scale similar to the GIA scale to describe color, but this is not an official scale. Diamonds, meanwhile, are classified according to the GIA diamond color scale from D (colorless) to Z (colored).
- About transparency: Both types of stones can have inclusions visible under a magnifying glass. Moissanite stone is graded for clarity on a GIA-like scale similar to diamond, but it is not certified by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). Therefore, Moissanite stone certificates are usually issued by the manufacturer or seller.
- About brilliance: Moissanite has a refractive index of 2.65 – 2.69, higher than diamond’s 2.417, creating more brilliant sparkle and dispersion. Some people love the “rainbow flashes” of Moissanite, while others find them too dazzling, especially under sunlight.
Differences between Moissanite stone and diamond
In addition, diamonds are known for their refined beauty and eternal durability, symbolizing luxury and class. Moissanite stone, meanwhile, is a beautiful and economical alternative to diamond.
How to choose a quality Moissanite gem
Are you dreaming of owning a sparkling Moissanite gem but don’t know how to choose the right one? Below are some notes for choosing a quality Moissanite gem:
- Size: Moissanite comes in many different sizes, from delicately small to prominently large, meeting all preferences. Stone size directly affects the price. The larger the stones, the higher the price.
- Color: Colorless Moissanite has the highest price, while near-color and gray stones are cheaper.
- Cut: The more carefully and precisely a stone is cut, the more it reveals brilliant beauty, so it is also more expensive.
- Clarity: Moissanite is graded for clarity on a scale similar to diamonds, from VVS (very few inclusions) to SI2 (inclusions present). Therefore, depending on the grade, the price of the stone will vary; stones with fewer inclusions are more expensive, while those with more inclusions are cheaper.
How to choose a quality Moissanite gem
You should buy Moissanite from reputable suppliers with clear certification documents to ensure quality and a reasonable price. You should also refer to customer reviews and carefully understand the warranty policy before purchasing.
How much does Moissanite diamond cost?
The current price of Moissanite diamond ranges from about 900,000 – 7,000,000 VND, depending on size (ly), weight (carat), color grade, and cut style. Below is a common reference price table on the market:
- 4 ly Moissanite: ~950,000 – 1,500,000 VND
- 5 ly Moissanite: ~1,290,000 – 3,300,000 VND
- D-color 8 ly Moissanite: ~3,200,000 – 4,999,000 VND
- 6.5 ly Moissanite: from 3,399,000 VND
- 9 ly Moissanite: from 6,999,000 VND
- 1 carat Moissanite: about 2,500,000 VND
Should you buy diamond or artificial Moissanite diamond?
Choosing natural diamond or Moissanite depends on your intended use and financial ability. In appearance, these two stones both have similar sparkling brilliance, but their economic value and rarity are clearly different.
If you buy for wearing as jewelry, artificial Moissanite diamond is a reasonable choice because it has sparkle almost like a real diamond, high hardness, good color retention, and costs only about 1/10 of a natural diamond.
On the other hand, if you buy for investment or long-term storage, natural diamond has higher value and is rarer, so it will hold value and generate profit better over time.
See more: Long-Term Diamond Investment: How Profitable Is It?
Compare the prices of CZ, Moissanite, synthetic diamond, and natural diamond
The prices of gemstones such as CZ (Cubic Zirconia), Moissanite, synthetic diamond, and natural diamond differ significantly even when they have the same size and specifications. The order of increasing value is usually: CZ < Moissanite < Synthetic diamond < Natural diamond
- CZ (Cubic Zirconia): about 100,000 – 500,000 VND
- Moissanite: about 5 – 20 million VND
- Synthetic diamond: about 30 – 70 million VND
- Natural diamond: about 70 – >500 million VND
How to buy Moissanite stone and diamond at the right price
Are you hoping to own a sparkling Moissanite gemstone or a luxurious diamond but worried about the price? Refer to a few ways below to buy Moissanite stone and diamond at the right price:
- Compare prices: Thanks to their wide popularity, Moissanite and diamonds are sold in various jewelry stores, online retailers, and by manufacturers. You should compare prices from many different sources to find the best supplier that fits your budget.
- Choose the right size and color: The size and color of Moissanite significantly affect the price. The larger the stone, the higher the price. Colorless Moissanite is the most expensive, followed by near-colorless and gray. Consider your own needs and preferences to choose the most suitable size and color.
- Choose the cut: The cut is the “soul” that creates the brilliant sparkling beauty of Moissanite and diamond. Prioritize choosing a well-cut stone to optimize the sparkle and brilliance of the jewelry.
- Shop at reputable dealers: Take time to carefully research dealers, refer to customer reviews, and choose a reputable place with clear certification documents to protect your own rights.
How to buy Moissanite stone and diamond at the right price
Moissanite stone is a gemstone with sparkling beauty, high hardness, and a reasonable price, making it an alternative to diamond for those who love jewelry at a lower cost. This article has just shared all the information about Moissanite stone, and hopefully it will be helpful to you.
