Is Moissanite a Fake Diamond?

Moissanite is usually considered a 'fake diamond or “cheap diamond.”. This label is mostly given because it looks like a diamond and many of its properties match those of a diamond, such as its luster and brilliance. Notably, it is lab-created, which further strengthens this perception.

This misconception occurs because information about this stone is limited, and incomplete information always creates confusion. In today's blog, we will dispel this confusion and clarify whether moissanite is a genuine gemstone or merely a low-cost imitation of a diamond.

In this blog, we will discuss many important aspects, after understanding which your misconception will be cleared whether moissanite is a "fake" stone or not.

Part 1

We will understand this blog in two frameworks. In the first part, we will understand whether moissanite is a real stone, i.e., is it a natural stone? In this part, we will focus on the difference between the natural and lab-grown forms of this stone made up of silicon carbide, its origin, characteristics, and how it is a genuine and unique gemstone in itself. We will also see how moissanite is difficult to find in its natural form and how its lab-grown version can be used in reality. Through this information, we will make it clear whether it is a real gemstone or not.

Moissanite: A Brief Introduction 

It is important to know that moissanite is a genuine gemstone, just like other gemstones such as diamond and sapphire. Not only this, it is one of the newest natural gemstones, discovered in 1893. When French scientist Henri Moissan was studying meteorites, he found a shiny stone that looked like a diamond at first glance. But, on closer research, it was found that it is made up of a different chemical composition than diamond. This makes it clear that moissanite is a natural gemstone.

How is Moissanite Made?

Just like the natural formation process of diamond is replicated in the laboratory to create lab-grown diamonds, the natural formation process of moissanite is replicated in the lab to create moissanite as natural, which is exactly like natural one in all properties. Although it is very rare in nature, even rarer than natural diamonds, modern techniques can produce it in the lab, giving us the same shine, strength, and beauty as natural moissanite gemstones.

Natural moissanite is formed under extreme heat and extreme pressure. Such extreme conditions are created when meteorites enter the Earth's atmosphere, as well as in volcanic eruptions. However, these extreme conditions are very rare. The natural formation of moissanite requires temperatures ranging from about 2500 to 3600 Fahrenheit and pressures of 5 to 10 gigapascals (gPa). This is why moissanite is found in very small quantities in nature.

That's why moissanite is created by recreating this process in the laboratory, which is called the high pressure-high temperature (HPHT) process. Moissanite created in the lab through this process is exactly like natural moissanite in almost every way.

Difference Between Natural and Lab-Grown Moissanite

Although both natural and lab-created moissanite are similar in every respect, there are several aspects other than properties that make them different from each other.

Rarity

The optimum conditions for the creation of natural moissanite are rare, which is why they are very rare. Lab-made moissanite is often created using international technology.

Appearance

Natural moissanite often has inclusions, but its sparkle and fire are not reduced. A moissanite made in lab looks similar to natural but has fewer inclusions and can be formed in a variety of colors.

Cost

Natural moissanite is much more expensive than lab-grown due to its rarity.

Environmental impact

Natural moissanite has to be mined to be carved, which causes a lot of damage to the environment. In contrast, lab-grown moissanite is very environmentally friendly as it does not have to be mined.

Part 2

In this second part, we will understand step by step what the difference is between moissanite and diamond. Is moissanite a fake diamond? We have already learned that moissanite is not a fake stone, so now we will understand that it is not a fake diamond either.

Appearances of Moissanite and Diamond

The appearance of diamonds is affected by many factors; however, the cut is the most important factor in the appearance of any stone. The appearance changes as the cut changes because the cut is the factor that determines how light interacts with the stone and how its brilliance and shine will come out. 

In addition, color, clarity, and carat are also factors that change the appearance of a stone. Diamond color is graded from D to Z to measure the appearance of a diamond. A (D) color diamond is completely colorless, and as you move down, the color of the diamond progresses towards yellow or brown.

Moissanite has additional shine.

Talking about moissanite, just like diamond, its appearance is affected a lot by its cut. However, color also plays a big role in enhancing its appearance. One thing to know is that the refractive index of moissanite is higher than that of diamond, due to which its brilliance and fire are more than that of diamond, which creates a rainbow-like effect.

Another special thing in it that is not found in diamonds is double refraction. Due to this, the facets appear double at some angles. Moissanite is clearer than diamond because its dispersion rate is high. All these factors make it clear that moissanite is in no way behind diamond in terms of appearance.

 As we have seen, in terms of appearance, moissanite and diamond look similar to the naked eye, but they have many differences, which proves that moissanite is a different stone from diamond, not a diamond, and not like a diamond as well.

Property Comparison Between Moissanite and Diamond

Types of Moissanite and Diamond

Types of Moissanite:

Classic Moissanite: 

This is the traditional version of moissanite, which has a light yellow color and is used for engagement rings.

Forever One Moissanite (Colorless): 

This is modern moissanite that is completely colorless and is equivalent to D-F grade.

Forever One Moissanite: 

It has a light warm tone and falls in the G-H-I range with a slightly warm undertone.

Colored Moissanite: 

It is available in bright colors like green, blue, and pink and is popular for those who like unique designs.

 

Types of Diamonds:

 Natural Diamonds: 

These diamonds are formed due to extreme pressure and temperature inside the earth and are extracted through mining.

 Lab-Grown Diamonds: 

These diamonds are created in a laboratory and look exactly like natural diamonds, but their manufacturing process is artificial.

 Coloured Diamonds: 

These diamonds come in vibrant colors like yellow, pink, blue, green, etc. due to their chemical impurities or structural variations.

 Synthetic Diamonds: 

These are man-made diamonds that are created in a laboratory but look slightly different from naturally occurring diamonds.

Both the gemstones have their own unique charm, but the types of moissanite and diamond show variations in terms of cut and quality.

Is moissanite a fake diamond?

So far we have learned about natural moissanite and lab-made moissanite. Next, in the second part, we discussed the difference between diamond and moissanite. This makes it clear that moissanite is a natural gemstone in itself, but it is found in very small quantities in nature. Apart from this, it looks exactly like a diamond; perhaps that is why it has been given the tag of synthetic diamond. But there are many differences between it and diamond, except for appearance. It is used more as an alternative to diamond because it provides almost the same beauty at a lower cost than diamond.

Answer

A moissanite is not a fake or cheap diamond, but it is a low-cost alternative to diamond.

 

What is fake moissanite?

It is true that fake moissanite is also available in the market, and it has become an easy way to earn money. Selling fake items at the price of the real thing is a common method of fraud. In such a situation, to avoid such fraud, it is important to know what fake moissanite is and how to identify it before buying moissanite jewelry.

Fake moissanite looks exactly like real moissanite, but its properties such as hardness, brilliance, fire, and durability are much less than real moissanite. Due to this, fake moissanite can break easily, and its shine also fades quickly.

 

How to check originality

The table given below will help you to spot the difference between real and fake moissanite.

How to check originality

The table given below will help you to spot the difference between real and fake moissanite

Criteria	Real Moissanite	Fake Moissanite
Brilliance & Fire	Very bright, rainbow-like flashes due to high refractive index (2.65 – 2.69)	Less intense shine, fewer colorful flashes
Hardness	9.25 on the Mohs scale, highly scratch-resistant	Lower hardness, prone to scratches and losing shine
Weight	Lighter compared to fake stones of similar size	Heavier than real moissanite

How to check

Brilliance and fire.

• Observe Under Natural Light
• Use a magnifying glass or loupe (10x).
• Compare with a Diamond
• Use an LED or flashlight test.

 Hardness

• Scratch test using Mohs scale
• Use professional tools like a diamond tester.
• A fake one will show scratches if worn daily.

Conclusion

In conclusion, moissanite is not a fake or cheap diamond, but a genuine gemstone with its own unique beauty and properties. While it shares similarities with diamonds in appearance, it stands out due to its higher brilliance, double refraction, and lower cost. Moissanite offers an excellent alternative for those seeking diamond-like qualities without the hefty price tag. However, it’s important to be aware of fake moissanite on the market, which lacks the durability and brilliance of real moissanite. By understanding the differences and testing for authenticity, buyers can confidently invest in real moissanite jewelry.