Lab-grown diamonds remain the only gemstones that are identical to mined diamonds, possessing the same chemical properties and physical characteristics of their counterparts at a more affordable price. Though some may view moissanite as an alternative to lab-grown diamonds, they lack the authenticity and brilliance of genuine lab-grown diamonds.
Dr. Henri Moissan, a Nobel Prize-winning French chemist, discovered moissanite in rock samples from an Arizona meteorite crater in 1893. Initially, he assumed the sparkling crystals were diamonds. Further testing revealed the crystals were actually silicon carbide, a compound rarely found on Earth. A decade after its discovery, scientists learned how to synthesize the compound in a lab. Then in 1995, a North Carolina-based company secured an exclusive patent to cut and market moissanite as gemstones.
For those wondering if there’s much difference between moissanite and lab-grown diamonds, it’s important to compare them side by side:
| Properties | Lab-Grown Diamonds | Moissanite |
|---|---|---|
| Core material | Like mined diamonds, lab-grown diamonds are made of pure carbon atoms arranged in a crystal structure. They are physically, chemically, and optically identical to mined diamonds. | Moissanite is a mineral made of silicon carbide. It is chemically distinct from lab-grown diamonds with its own unique properties. |
| Durability | Scoring a 10 out of 10 on the Mohs Scale (the qualitative system used to measure a mineral’s resistance to scratching), a lab-grown diamond is essentially scratch-proof. This makes it ideal for engagement rings meant to last a lifetime. | Moissanite scores 9.25 on the Mohs Scale. While harder than a sapphire or ruby, it is slightly more prone to surface scratches when worn daily over many years. |
| Longevity | A lab-grown diamond is an heirloom-quality stone that will maintain its brilliance for many years. This means it can be passed down through generations without any change in its appearance. | While it won’t get cloudy internally, moissanite is more prone to silicon buildup on the surface, which can give it a dull appearance over years of wear. |
| Sparkle | The gemstone offers brilliance, reflecting light as crisp, white flashes. | This stone produces intense, rainbow-like flashes also known as “fire.” |
| Sharpness | Lab gems are singly refractive, meaning light enters and exits in a single straight line. This gives the stone's facet edges a sharp, crisp look. | Moissanite is doubly refractive with light splitting into two rays as it enters the stone. This results in a blurrier look when the facets are viewed from certain angles. |
| Diamond tester | Since these stones are chemically identical to mined diamonds, they will register as real when using a diamond tester. | Professional diamond testers will identify moissanite as a non-diamond gemstone. Furthermore, a direct visual comparison with a lab-grown diamond reveals clear differences that make it simple to distinguish moissanite from a genuine diamond. |
| Certification | Lab-grown diamonds are graded by world-class labs, which issue an official report on a stone’s cut, color, clarity, and carat. | Generally, moissanite carries a Manufacturer Certificate rather than a lab report. |
| Price & value | These gemstones are significantly more affordable than mined diamonds. | While moissanite can cost less than a lab-grown diamond, they lack the properties and quality you get with the latter. |
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