- Total $0.00
Is Moissanite a Real Diamond? What Moissanite Actually Is
Quick Answer: No, moissanite is not a diamond. It is a real, distinct gemstone made of silicon carbide, while diamond is made of pure carbon. Moissanite looks very similar to diamond, has more fire, rates 9.25 on the Mohs scale (diamond is 10), and costs far less. It is not a fake; it is a genuine gem sold under its own name.
Key Takeaways
- Moissanite = silicon carbide (SiC). Diamond = carbon (C).
- Moissanite is a genuine gemstone, not a diamond simulant made of glass or cubic zirconia.
- Gem-quality moissanite is lab-created; natural moissanite is extremely rare.
What Is the Difference Between Real and Fake?
A simulant is any material that imitates another gem, such as glass or cubic zirconia imitating diamond. Moissanite is different: it is its own mineral with its own crystal structure and physical properties. When sold honestly as moissanite, it is a real gemstone in exactly the same way sapphire or ruby is.
Moissanite vs Diamond at a Glance
| Moissanite | Diamond | |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical makeup | Silicon carbide | Carbon |
| Mohs hardness | 9.25 | 10 |
| Refractive index | About 2.65 to 2.69 | 2.42 |
| Dispersion (fire) | About 0.104 | About 0.044 |
| Origin for jewelry | Lab-created | Mined or lab-grown |
| Price | A fraction of diamond | Highest |
Is Moissanite the Same as Lab-Grown Diamond?
No. A lab-grown diamond is chemically identical to a mined diamond: pure carbon, just created in a lab. Moissanite is a completely different material. Both are lab-created, but only a lab-grown diamond is actually diamond.
Is Moissanite the Same as Cubic Zirconia?
No. Cubic zirconia (CZ) is a much softer simulant, about 8 to 8.5 on the Mohs scale. It scratches and clouds more easily over time. Moissanite is far harder, more brilliant, and keeps its sparkle for life.
Why Many People Prefer Moissanite
- A bigger, brighter stone for the same budget.
- More rainbow fire than diamond.
- Extremely durable for everyday wear.
- Lab-created and conflict-free.
See the difference for yourself in our engagement ring collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is moissanite a real diamond?
No. Moissanite is a genuine gemstone made of silicon carbide, which is a different material from diamond. It looks similar to diamond but is its own gem.
Is moissanite fake?
No. Moissanite is a real gemstone. It is only misleading if someone sells it as a diamond. Sold honestly as moissanite, it is a genuine, beautiful gem.
Can people tell moissanite from diamond?
To the naked eye, most people cannot. Some notice moissanite's stronger rainbow fire. Specialist testers and gem labs can tell them apart.