What is Moissanite Stone? Should You Buy Moissanite Stone or Diamond?
Key Takeaways
- Moissanite Stone is famous for its sparkling beauty, high hardness, and reasonable price, making it a popular stone in the jewelry industry. Let's explore Moissanite stone with Jemmia in the article below!About...
Moissanite Stone is famous for its sparkling beauty, high hardness, and reasonable price, making it a popular stone in the jewelry industry. Let's explore Moissanite stone with Jemmia in the article below!
About Moissanite Stone
The advent 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 Mois artificial 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's 10/10.
Moissanite stone is renowned as one of the hardest materials on Earth. Therefore, this stone is extremely resistant to scratches and impacts, making it an ideal material for jewelry making.
Moissanite stone is also known as Mois artificial gemstone
However, in the Vietnamese market, some sellers have intentionally misrepresented the concept, associating Moissanite with the name “lab-grown diamond” to attract customers. This is completely misleading because the nature of Moissanite stone and diamond is entirely different.
Origin of Moissanite Stone
In 1893, French scientist Henri Moissan, while studying rock samples from a meteorite crater in Diablo Canyon, unexpectedly discovered a new mineral. Initially, he mistook it for natural diamond due to its sparkling appearance and impressive hardness.
However, in 1904, after meticulous analysis, he determined the true nature of this stone and named it silicon carbide (SiC). To acknowledge the significant contribution of Henri Moissan, this stone was later renamed Moissanite in honor of this brilliant scientist.
Origin of Moissanite stone
How Moissanite Stone is Created
Natural Moissanite stones are typically found in meteorites and diamond mines. However, due to increasing market demand and limited mining reserves, they are now produced in laboratories.
Through a process of thermal decomposition, synthetic Moissanite is created by combining carbon and silicon. After obtaining raw Moissanite crystals, they are then meticulously cut and polished to create brilliant and radiant gemstones.
Meaning of Moissanite Stone
Moissanite stones are not only captivating with their sparkling beauty but also with the deep spiritual meanings they hold. Moissanite stone symbolizes:
- Eternal Love: With the second-highest hardness after diamond, Moissanite symbolizes strong commitment, fidelity, and everlasting love.
- Radiance: Moissanite shines brilliantly, symbolizing joy, optimism, and positive energy.
- Elegance: The exquisite and elegant beauty of Moissanite bestows sophistication and class upon its owner.
Moissanite stone is not only attractive for its sparkling beauty but also carries many meanings
Classification of Moissanite Stone
There are many types of Moissanite stones on the market; here are some popular ones:
Natural Moissanite Stone
The first Moissanite stone known to humans was natural Moissanite, discovered by a French scientist from meteorite fragments from asteroids and meteors falling to Earth. Natural Moissanite stone possesses a characteristic sparkle and impressive hardness. However, due to its limited quantity, natural Moissanite stone 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 process of synthesizing Silicon Carbide crystals. Currently, this type of stone dominates the gemstone market due to its popularity and affordability. Thanks to advanced technology, synthetic Moissanite can be crafted in various sizes, colors, and brilliance levels, meeting all consumer needs and preferences.
Synthetic Moissanite stone
Hybrid Moissanite Stone
Combining the advantages of both natural and synthetic Moissanite, hybrid Moissanite stone offers sparkling beauty, high hardness, and a reasonable price. This is a smart choice for those who love the sparkling, elegant beauty of Moissanite at an affordable price.
Hybrid Moissanite stone
Moissanite Forever One Stone
Moissanite Forever One is a premium Moissanite stone known for its highest brilliance and quality, produced by Charles & Colvard. With light reflection capabilities nearly equal to natural diamonds and excellent brilliance, Forever One is widely used for jewelry making.
Moissanite Forever One stone
Moissanite Amora Stone
Moissanite Amora is a premium form of Moissanite stone produced by Amora Gems. With advanced technology, this stone has superior brilliance and sparkle comparable to natural diamonds. Moissanite Amora is known for its high hardness and is considered the most beautiful and valuable synthetic Moissanite stone currently available.
Moissanite Amora stone
Moissanite NEO Stone
NEO Moissanite stones are produced by NEO Moissanite with an optimized process. Through this process, NEO Moissanite stones are produced with brilliance, sparkle, and hardness almost identical to natural diamonds. This type of stone is considered one of the most beautiful Moissanite stones on the market today.
Moissanite NEO stone
Properties of Moissanite Stone
Moissanite stone has unique properties and characteristics, distinct from other gemstones. Here are 4 special properties of Moissanite stone:
- Color: Moissanite stones are also graded for color like diamonds. The stones usually have a slight yellow, gray, or light brown hue. The larger the Moissanite stone, the more pronounced its color becomes.
- Clarity: Most Moissanite stones on the market are created in laboratories. Therefore, each stone possesses near-perfect clarity, with no or very few inclusions.
- Dispersion: A standout feature of Moissanite is its dispersion of light, which is 2.4 times higher than that of diamonds. With a refractive index of 2.65 to 2.69, Moissanite bends light, creating brilliant flashes of rainbow-like color.
- Hardness: Moissanite scores 9.5/10 on the Mohs hardness scale, second only to diamond (10/10 Mohs). High hardness allows Moissanite stone to resist scratches and impacts well, ensuring long-lasting beauty when used in jewelry.
Properties of Moissanite stone
How are Moissanite Stone and Diamond Different?
At first glance, Moissanite stone and diamonds can be easily mistaken due to their similar appearance. However, upon closer examination, you will notice many differences between these two types of stones.
- Color Scale: Moissanite uses a Moissanite color scale similar to the GIA scale to describe color, but it is not an official scale. Diamonds are classified according to the GIA diamond color scale from D (colorless) to Z (colored).
- Clarity: Both types of stones can have inclusions visible under a loupe. Moissanite stones are graded for clarity on a scale similar to diamonds, but they are not certified by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). Therefore, Moissanite stone certifications are usually issued by the manufacturer or seller.
- Brilliance: Moissanite has a refractive index of 2.65 – 2.69, which is higher than diamond's 2.417, creating more brilliant sparkle and dispersion. Some people love the "rainbow flash" of Moissanite, while others find it too dazzling, especially under sunlight.
Differences between Moissanite Stone and diamond
Furthermore, diamonds are known for their exquisite beauty and eternal durability, symbolizing luxury and class. Moissanite stones, on the other hand, are a beautiful and economical alternative to diamonds.
How to Choose a Quality Moissanite Stone
Are you dreaming of owning a sparkling Moissanite stone but unsure how to choose the right one? Here are some tips for selecting a quality Moissanite stone:
- Size: Moissanite comes in various sizes, from delicate small to prominent large, meeting all preferences. The size of the stone directly affects the price. Larger stones are more expensive.
- Color: Colorless Moissanite is the most expensive, while stones with near-color and gray hues are cheaper.
- Cut: The more meticulously and precisely a stone is cut, the more brilliant its beauty, and thus the higher its price.
- Clarity: Moissanite is graded for clarity on a scale similar to diamonds, from VVS (very, very slightly included) to SI2 (slightly included). Therefore, the price of the stone varies depending on the clarity grade; stones with fewer inclusions are more expensive, while those with more inclusions are cheaper.
How to choose a quality Moissanite stone
It is recommended to purchase Moissanite from reputable suppliers with clear inspection certificates to ensure quality and reasonable prices. You should also refer to customer reviews and thoroughly research warranty policies before purchasing.
How much does Moissanite diamond cost?
The price of Moissanite diamonds currently ranges from approximately 900,000 to 7,000,000 VND, depending on the size (mm), weight (carat), color grade, and cut style. Below is a reference price list commonly found in the market:
- Moissanite 4mm: ~950,000 – 1,500,000 VND
- Moissanite 5mm: ~1,290,000 – 3,300,000 VND
- Moissanite color D 8mm: ~3,200,000 – 4,999,000 VND
- Moissanite 6.5mm: from 3,399,000 VND
- Moissanite 9mm: from 6,999,000 VND
- Moissanite 1 carat: around 2,500,000 VND
Should you buy diamonds or Moissanite lab-grown diamonds?
The choice between natural diamonds and Moissanite depends on your intended use and financial capacity. In terms of appearance, both types of stones have similar brilliance, but their economic value and rarity differ significantly.
If you are buying for jewelry wear, Moissanite lab-grown diamonds are a reasonable choice because they offer brilliance almost equal to real diamonds, high hardness, colorfastness, and a price only about 1/10th of natural diamonds.
Conversely, if you are buying for investment or long-term storage, natural diamonds have higher value and are rarer, thus they will retain their value and yield better profits over time.
See more: Long-Term Diamond Investment: What Is the Profit Potential?
Comparison of CZ, Moissanite, Lab-Grown Diamonds, and Natural Diamonds Prices
The prices of gemstones such as CZ (Cubic Zirconia), Moissanite, lab-grown diamonds, and natural diamonds vary significantly even with the same size and specifications. The order of increasing value is typically: CZ < Moissanite < Lab-grown Diamond < Natural Diamond
- CZ (Cubic Zirconia): approximately 100,000 – 500,000 VND
- Moissanite: approximately 5 – 20 million VND
- Lab-grown Diamond: approximately 30 – 70 million VND
- Natural Diamond: approximately 70 – >500 million VND
How to Buy Moissanite Stone and Diamonds at the Right Price
Do you wish to own a sparkling Moissanite stone or an elegant Diamond but are concerned about the price? Let's consider some tips below to buy Moissanite stones and diamonds at the right price:
- Compare Prices: Thanks to their widespread popularity, Moissanite and Diamonds are sold in various jewelry stores, online retailers, and manufacturers. You should compare prices from different sources to find the best provider that fits your budget.
- Choose Suitable 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 type, followed by near-colorless and gray hues. Consider your needs and preferences to choose the most suitable size and color.
- Choose the Cut: The cut is the "soul" that creates the brilliant sparkle of Moissanite and Diamonds. Prioritize selecting a well-cut stone to optimize the sparkle and brilliance of the jewelry.
- Shop at Reputable Dealers: Take the time to thoroughly research dealers, read customer reviews, and choose reputable places with clear inspection certificates to ensure your rights.
How to buy Moissanite stone and diamonds at the right price
Moissanite Stone is a gemstone possessing sparkling beauty, high hardness, and a reasonable price, serving as an alternative to diamonds for those who love jewelry at a lower cost. This article has shared all the information about Moissanite stone; hopefully, it will be helpful to you.
