What differentiates these two mined diamond alternatives? If you’re searching for a mined diamond alternative, you’ve likely heard of both lab grown diamonds and natural moissanite. And although they’re both great options compared to natural diamonds, it’s important to identify their differences and similarities so that you can make an informed decision about which gemstone is right for you. Here, we take a closer look at lab diamond vs. moissanite.
Moissanite
What is Moissanite jewelry?
Moissanite is commonly used as an alternative diamond option in jewelry due to its shimmering appearance, durability, and lower price tag. But the history behind this mineral is quite fascinating.
In 1893, French scientist Henri Moissan discovered Moissanite while examining samples of rock that came from a meteor crater.
At first, he believed that the crystals were actually diamonds. Considering the extremely close hardness level of moissanite and diamonds, this prediction wasn’t implausible.
However, in 1904 he eventually realized that they were, in fact, made of silicon carbide and not carbon.
Later in Moissan’s career, he won a Nobel Peace Prize for “his work in isolating fluorine from its compounds,” and eventually, the mineral was named after him.
How is Moissanite made today?
Unfortunately, dissimilar to materials like man-made cubic zirconia, silicon carbide is incredibly rare. In fact, it has only been found in a few various environments, including meteors, the Green River Formation in Wyoming, and sometimes even as inclusions inside diamonds.
Due to this rarity of naturally occurring silicon carbide, all products made from this mineral today are created using a lab created synthetic version.
Benefits of Moissanite
Although moissanite is not diamond, they do have its own benefits and are the diamond alternative of choice for many individuals.
For couples that are extremely cost-conscious, Moissanite can be a great gemstone choice for a forever ring or just for a temporary stone in an engagement ring.
In general, Moissanite is only priced on their size and if they are Premium or Super Premium (the latter appears more colorless, rather than yellow). For reference, an average round 8mm (about the size of 2 carats) Moissanite would cost under $2,000.
As mentioned above, Moissanite also has a very high rating on the Mohs scale of hardness. Just 0.75 below a natural diamond, this gemstone is extremely durable.
This is a great option for someone who either does a ton of work with their hands or doesn’t plan to remove their ring for activities such as working out.
However, they’re simply not quite at the same level as actual diamonds. To get a better feel for how moissanite rings hold up in actual use, research “moissanite vs. diamond” reviews online.
Moissanite and Lab Diamonds
For a more detailed look at lab diamond vs. moissanite, side-by-side comparisons can help you see where the major differences lie. Here are the facts you should know about each and how they stack up against natural diamonds.
Mined Diamonds
- Made from Carbon
- Mohs Hardness Level = 10
- Refractive Index = 2.42
Lab Grown Diamonds
- Made from Carbon
- Mohs Hardness Level = 10
- Refractive Index = 2.42
Moissanite
- Made from Silicone Carbide
- Mohs Hardness Level = 9.25
- Refractive Index = 2.65 – 2.69
Lab Created Diamonds
What is a Lab Grown Diamond?
A lab grown diamond is the ethical diamond option from cutting-edge technology.
With the same chemical, physical, and optical characteristics as a mined diamond, lab created stones are identical to those grown beneath the earth.
Lab grown diamonds are real diamonds with the same range of cut, clarity, color, and carat weight that you’d find among natural diamonds. In fact, the only physical difference is lab diamonds and moissanite form in different locations.
Benefits of Lab Grown Diamonds
Other than their origin, a lab grown diamond has a few distinctions from mined diamonds considered as huge benefits.
To start, they’re the only way to ensure a 100% ethically sourced diamond. Although regulations exist to help with many of the negative practices of the mining industry, there is no way to truly know you have an ethically sourced mined diamond.
Lab grown diamonds are also a great step in the green direction. Compared to mined diamonds, lab grown stones are the more environmentally friendly option.
For reference, a study showed that 1 carat of mined diamonds creates nearly 100 square feet of disturbed land and almost 6000 pounds of mineral waste.
On the other hand, lab grown diamonds result in just 0.07 square feet of disturbed land and only 1 pound of mineral waste for the same carat size.
Finally, man-made diamonds can be anywhere from 20-40% less expensive than mined diamonds. For couples that are looking for a more affordable option but still want a diamond, this is the best choice.
In general, a moissanite is a great option for couples that have a really tight budget but still want a sparkly gemstone capable of scattering light.
However, it’s important to note that moissanite is a completely different mineral than a diamond. The only mined diamond alternative that still has the same chemical composition is a lab created diamond.
If you’re searching for a mined diamond alternative, you’ve likely heard of both lab grown diamonds and moissanite. However, when you think about “moissanite vs lab diamond,” the first question that comes to mind is likely: What’s the difference between the two?
Both lab diamonds and moissanite are great options if you compare them to a mined stone. But you should still understand the differences and similarities between them. This way, you can make an informed decision about which gemstone is right for the ring you choose.
Read on for a closer look at moissanite vs lab grown diamonds.
Are Lab Created Diamonds and Moissanite the Same?
No. One of the biggest differences between the two is that lab diamonds (like mined diamonds) are pure carbon. Moissanite is something altogether different.
Moissanite vs Lab Diamond: How Does Moissanite Differ?
What Is Moissanite Made Of?
Unlike lab grown diamonds, moissanite is 100% silicon carbide. It is a common diamond alternative used in jewelry thanks to its high shine, durability, and lower price tag. And the history behind this mineral is fascinating.
The History of Moissanite
In 1893, French scientist Henri Moissan discovered moissanite while examining samples of rock from a meteor crater. At first, he believed the crystals in the rock were diamonds. Considering the similar hardness level of moissanite and diamonds, this observation wasn’t far off.
However, in 1904, Moissan realized the crystals were in fact made of silicon carbide–not carbon. Later in his career, Moissan won a Nobel Peace Prize for “his work in isolating fluorine from its compounds.” The mineral version of silicon carbide was eventually named after him.
How Is Moissanite Made Today?
Unfortunately, silicon carbide is very rare. In fact, moissanite is so rare that it’s only available in a few select environments.
These environments include meteors, the Green River Formation in Wyoming, and sometimes as inclusions inside diamonds.
Since naturally occurring silicon carbide is rare, all products made from it today are formed using a lab created synthetic version.
Benefits of Moissanite vs Lab Diamond Engagement Rings
Although moissanite gemstones are not diamonds, they do have their own benefits. These benefits make them the diamond alternative of choice for many people.
Affordability
In general, moissanite’s price depends on its size. But its price also depends on whether it is Premium or Super Premium (the latter appearing more colorless, rather than yellow). For reference, an average round 8mm (about the size of 2 carats) moissanite costs under $2,000.
For cost-conscious couples, moissanite is a good choice for a forever ring. Moissanite can even serve as a temporary stone in an engagement ring.
Durability
Moissanite has a high rating on the Mohs scale of hardness.
At just 0.75 below a diamond in hardness, this gemstone is quite durable. It’s a nice option for someone who does a lot of work with their hands. It is also a good option for someone who doesn’t remove their ring for activities like working out.
However, moissanite is not quite at the same level as diamonds.
Lab Grown Diamonds
A lab grown diamond is a mined diamond alternative; it is produced in a lab using cutting-edge technology. But from a chemical, physical, and optical standpoint, a lab created diamond is the same as a natural diamond.
These are real diamonds with the same range of cut, clarity, color, and carat weight you’d find among mined diamonds. In fact, the only difference between them is how they formed.
What Is a Lab Grown Diamond Made Of?
A lab grown diamond is pure carbon, just like a mined diamond.
The History of Lab Diamonds
In 1954, GE created the first lab diamonds using a method called High Pressure, High Temperature (HPHT).
HPHT mimics the way natural diamonds form. Deep in the earth and under extreme heat and pressure, carbon melts and bonds together. The carbon then crystalizes and forms a diamond.
How Do We Make Lab Diamonds Today?
The first diamonds GE produced were too small to use as gemstones. But it was still a breakthrough accomplishment.
That achievement led to the more efficient method of creating diamonds in a lab that is now the standard: Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD).
CVD starts with a very thin diamond seed. Then, using high temperatures, carbon-rich gas is heated until it turns into plasma. The plasma attaches to the diamond seed in “layers” until it produces a diamond.
Benefits of a Lab Diamond vs Moissanite
Other than their origin, lab grown diamonds have a few more positive distinctions from mined diamonds:
Responsibly Sourced
To start, lab diamonds are the only way to ensure a 100% ethically sourced diamond.
Even with the rules put in place to help deter the negative practices of the mining industry, there is still no way to be sure your mined diamond was sourced as advertised.
Environmentally-Friendly
Lab grown diamonds are also a great step in the “green” direction.
On one hand, when compared to mined diamonds, lab grown stones are the more environmentally friendly option. For reference, according to a study by Frost & Sullivan, 1 carat of mined diamonds creates nearly 100 square feet of disturbed land. It also creates almost 6000 pounds of mineral waste.
On the other hand, lab grown diamonds result in just 0.07 square feet of disturbed land and only 1 pound of mineral waste for the same carat size.
Affordable
Finally, man-made diamonds are 20-40% less expensive than mined diamonds. For couples who want a more affordable diamond option, this is the best choice–no matter if you’re shopping vintage, halo, or even solitaire engagement rings.
Moissanite vs Lab Diamond: Let’s Compare the Differences
Although they make look the same at first glance, there are distinct differences between moissanite and a lab diamond. Let’s take a look at a few:
Dispersion: Moissanite Sparkles More Brilliantly
One of the biggest differences between moissanite and lab diamonds is how much they sparkle.
Sparkle is the result of “dispersion,” and dispersion occurs when white light enters a gemstone. When white light enters, all the colors it contains travel through the stone at different speeds. The colors then exit the stone at different times causing rainbow colored flashes–or what we call sparkle.
When compared side-by-side, moissanite has a 0.104 dispersion; a diamond’s dispersion (both lab and mined diamond) is 0.044. Therefore, moissanite sparkles more brilliantly than diamonds.
Refractive Index: How Moissanite and Diamonds Bend Light
The refractive index of a gemstone refers to how it breaks up and bends the light that passes through it. Moissanite has a higher refractive index than a lab grown diamond. In fact, moissanite is doubly refractive. This means its facets are going to appear doubled–kind of blurry, like you can’t focus your eyes.
Compared to moissanite, lab grown diamonds are singly refractive. If someone comes to you with what they claim is a “doubly refractive diamond,” you can be sure it’s not a diamond.
Moissanite vs Lab Diamond Color Range
For the most part, moissanite is naturally colorless or near-colorless. However, it also comes in slight gray to yellowish green shades. Thanks to advances in technology (HTHP and CVD), fancy-colored moissanite is available in a rainbow of colors.
Lab diamonds occur in almost any color you can imagine. Like moissanite, they can be colorless and near-colorless. But they can also be red, pink, blue, black, yellow, brown, and much more!
Mohs Scale Ratings: Moissanite vs Lab Diamond
A diamond is one of the hardest naturally-occurring substances on earth. On the Mohs hardness scale of 1-10 (1 being the softest, 10 being the hardest), diamond scores a 10.
Moissanite, on the other hand, is softer. But not by much. It scores a 9.25 on the Mohs scale.
Price
A lab grown diamond is about 20-40% less expensive than a mined diamond. And moissanite costs much less than diamonds–even lab diamonds.
Moissanite vs Lab Diamond Engagement Rings: Which Is Best for You?
Choose a Moissanite Engagement Ring if You:
- Want a non-traditional diamond for your center stone.
- Prefer something with a bit more sparkle.
- Work with your hands and need a durable stone for your engagement ring.
- Want to pay less but still want a beautiful stone.
Choose a Lab Diamond Engagement Ring if You:
- Want the most durable stone possible for your engagement ring.
- Want a diamond but prefer an ethical option to a mined diamond.
- Like the idea of owning a diamond.
Clean Origin Can Help You Find the Perfect Lab Diamond
No matter how you look at a moissanite vs lab diamond, you should always choose the best possible gemstone for you, your preferences, and your budget.
We don’t offer moissanite jewelry, but we do have many beautiful lab created diamonds for you to consider. Our conflict free diamonds come with a 100 day return policy. We also offer free, secure shipping with every purchase.
Want to purchase a diamond engagement ring for your partner but don’t know their size? We offer free ring resizing–that way, all you have to do is focus on finding the perfect ring.
If you’re searching for a mined diamond alternative, you’ve likely heard of both lab grown diamonds and moissanite. However, when you think about “moissanite vs lab diamond,” the first question that comes to mind is likely: What’s the difference between the two?
Both lab diamonds and moissanite are great options if you compare them to a mined stone. But you should still understand the differences and similarities between them. This way, you can make an informed decision about which gemstone is right for the ring you choose.
Read on for a closer look at moissanite vs lab grown diamonds.
Are Lab Created Diamonds and Moissanite the Same?
No. One of the biggest differences between the two is that lab diamonds (like mined diamonds) are pure carbon. Moissanite is something altogether different.
Moissanite vs Lab Diamond: How Does Moissanite Differ?
What Is Moissanite Made Of?
Unlike lab grown diamonds, moissanite is 100% silicon carbide. It is a common diamond alternative used in jewelry thanks to its high shine, durability, and lower price tag. And the history behind this mineral is fascinating.
The History of Moissanite
In 1893, French scientist Henri Moissan discovered moissanite while examining samples of rock from a meteor crater. At first, he believed the crystals in the rock were diamonds. Considering the similar hardness level of moissanite and diamonds, this observation wasn’t far off.
However, in 1904, Moissan realized the crystals were in fact made of silicon carbide–not carbon. Later in his career, Moissan won a Nobel Peace Prize for “his work in isolating fluorine from its compounds.” The mineral version of silicon carbide was eventually named after him.
How Is Moissanite Made Today?
Unfortunately, silicon carbide is very rare. In fact, moissanite is so rare that it’s only available in a few select environments.
These environments include meteors, the Green River Formation in Wyoming, and sometimes as inclusions inside diamonds.
Since naturally occurring silicon carbide is rare, all products made from it today are formed using a lab created synthetic version.
Benefits of Moissanite vs Lab Diamond Engagement Rings
Although moissanite gemstones are not diamonds, they do have their own benefits. These benefits make them the diamond alternative of choice for many people.
Affordability
In general, moissanite’s price depends on its size. But its price also depends on whether it is Premium or Super Premium (the latter appearing more colorless, rather than yellow). For reference, an average round 8mm (about the size of 2 carats) moissanite costs under $2,000.
For cost-conscious couples, moissanite is a good choice for a forever ring. Moissanite can even serve as a temporary stone in an engagement ring.
Durability
Moissanite has a high rating on the Mohs scale of hardness.
At just 0.75 below a diamond in hardness, this gemstone is quite durable. It’s a nice option for someone who does a lot of work with their hands. It is also a good option for someone who doesn’t remove their ring for activities like working out.
However, moissanite is not quite at the same level as diamonds.
Lab Grown Diamonds
A lab grown diamond is a mined diamond alternative; it is produced in a lab using cutting-edge technology. But from a chemical, physical, and optical standpoint, a lab created diamond is the same as a natural diamond.
These are real diamonds with the same range of cut, clarity, color, and carat weight you’d find among mined diamonds. In fact, the only difference between them is how they formed.
What Is a Lab Grown Diamond Made Of?
A lab grown diamond is pure carbon, just like a mined diamond.
The History of Lab Diamonds
In 1954, GE created the first lab diamonds using a method called High Pressure, High Temperature (HPHT).
HPHT mimics the way natural diamonds form. Deep in the earth and under extreme heat and pressure, carbon melts and bonds together. The carbon then crystalizes and forms a diamond.
How Do We Make Lab Diamonds Today?
The first diamonds GE produced were too small to use as gemstones. But it was still a breakthrough accomplishment.
That achievement led to the more efficient method of creating diamonds in a lab that is now the standard: Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD).
CVD starts with a very thin diamond seed. Then, using high temperatures, carbon-rich gas is heated until it turns into plasma. The plasma attaches to the diamond seed in “layers” until it produces a diamond.
Benefits of a Lab Diamond vs Moissanite
Other than their origin, lab grown diamonds have a few more positive distinctions from mined diamonds:
Responsibly Sourced
To start, lab diamonds are the only way to ensure a 100% ethically sourced diamond.
Even with the rules put in place to help deter the negative practices of the mining industry, there is still no way to be sure your mined diamond was sourced as advertised.
Environmentally-Friendly
Lab grown diamonds are also a great step in the “green” direction.
On one hand, when compared to mined diamonds, lab grown stones are the more environmentally friendly option. For reference, according to a study by Frost & Sullivan, 1 carat of mined diamonds creates nearly 100 square feet of disturbed land. It also creates almost 6000 pounds of mineral waste.
On the other hand, lab grown diamonds result in just 0.07 square feet of disturbed land and only 1 pound of mineral waste for the same carat size.
Affordable
Finally, man-made diamonds are 20-40% less expensive than mined diamonds. For couples who want a more affordable diamond option, this is the best choice–no matter if you’re shopping vintage, halo, or even solitaire engagement rings.
Moissanite vs Lab Diamond: Let’s Compare the Differences
Although they make look the same at first glance, there are distinct differences between moissanite and a lab diamond. Let’s take a look at a few:
Dispersion: Moissanite Sparkles More Brilliantly
One of the biggest differences between moissanite and lab diamonds is how much they sparkle.
Sparkle is the result of “dispersion,” and dispersion occurs when white light enters a gemstone. When white light enters, all the colors it contains travel through the stone at different speeds. The colors then exit the stone at different times causing rainbow colored flashes–or what we call sparkle.
When compared side-by-side, moissanite has a 0.104 dispersion; a diamond’s dispersion (both lab and mined diamond) is 0.044. Therefore, moissanite sparkles more brilliantly than diamonds.
Refractive Index: How Moissanite and Diamonds Bend Light
The refractive index of a gemstone refers to how it breaks up and bends the light that passes through it. Moissanite has a higher refractive index than a lab grown diamond. In fact, moissanite is doubly refractive. This means its facets are going to appear doubled–kind of blurry, like you can’t focus your eyes.
Compared to moissanite, lab grown diamonds are singly refractive. If someone comes to you with what they claim is a “doubly refractive diamond,” you can be sure it’s not a diamond.
Moissanite vs Lab Diamond Color Range
For the most part, moissanite is naturally colorless or near-colorless. However, it also comes in slight gray to yellowish green shades. Thanks to advances in technology (HTHP and CVD), fancy-colored moissanite is available in a rainbow of colors.
Lab diamonds occur in almost any color you can imagine. Like moissanite, they can be colorless and near-colorless. But they can also be red, pink, blue, black, yellow, brown, and much more!
Mohs Scale Ratings: Moissanite vs Lab Diamond
A diamond is one of the hardest naturally-occurring substances on earth. On the Mohs hardness scale of 1-10 (1 being the softest, 10 being the hardest), diamond scores a 10.
Moissanite, on the other hand, is softer. But not by much. It scores a 9.25 on the Mohs scale.
Price
A lab grown diamond is about 20-40% less expensive than a mined diamond. And moissanite costs much less than diamonds–even lab diamonds.
Moissanite vs Lab Diamond Engagement Rings: Which Is Best for You?
Choose a Moissanite Engagement Ring if You:
- Want a non-traditional diamond for your center stone.
- Prefer something with a bit more sparkle.
- Work with your hands and need a durable stone for your engagement ring.
- Want to pay less but still want a beautiful stone.
Choose a Lab Diamond Engagement Ring if You:
- Want the most durable stone possible for your engagement ring.
- Want a diamond but prefer an ethical option to a mined diamond.
- Like the idea of owning a diamond.
Clean Origin Can Help You Find the Perfect Lab Diamond
No matter how you look at a moissanite vs lab diamond, you should always choose the best possible gemstone for you, your preferences, and your budget.
We don’t offer moissanite jewelry, but we do have many beautiful lab created diamonds for you to consider. Our conflict free diamonds come with a 100 day return policy. We also offer free, secure shipping with every purchase.
Want to purchase a diamond engagement ring for your partner but don’t know their size? We offer free ring resizing–that way, all you have to do is focus on finding the perfect ring.
