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Moissanite vs Lab-Grown Diamond: Which Should You Choose?
Quick Answer: A lab-grown diamond is a real diamond (pure carbon) created in a lab, with a hardness of 10. Moissanite is a different gemstone (silicon carbide) with a hardness of 9.25, more rainbow fire, and a lower price than lab-grown diamond. Choose lab-grown diamond if you want an actual diamond; choose moissanite for maximum sparkle and value.
Key Takeaways
- Lab-grown diamond = chemically identical to mined diamond.
- Moissanite = a different, genuine gemstone with more fire.
- Both are lab-created and mining-free; moissanite usually costs less.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Moissanite | Lab-grown diamond | |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Silicon carbide | Carbon (diamond) |
| Mohs hardness | 9.25 | 10 |
| Refractive index | About 2.65 to 2.69 | 2.42 |
| Fire (dispersion) | About 0.104 | About 0.044 |
| Look | Brilliant with strong rainbow flashes | Brilliant with whiter sparkle |
| Price | Lower | Higher than moissanite, lower than mined diamond |
How Do They Look Different?
Both are brilliant and clear in top grades. Moissanite shows more colorful fire, especially in sunlight, while diamond shows a softer, whiter sparkle. Most people cannot tell them apart without a close look.
Which Lasts Longer?
Both are durable enough to last a lifetime. Diamond is the hardest material, but moissanite at 9.25 is harder than sapphire and ruby and is very resistant to everyday scratches.
Which Is Better Value?
For the same size, moissanite typically costs noticeably less than a lab-grown diamond. That makes it easy to choose a bigger stone, a more detailed setting, or a matching band.
How to Decide
- Choose lab-grown diamond if having an actual diamond matters to you.
- Choose moissanite if you want the most sparkle and the biggest look for your budget.
See moissanite for yourself in our engagement ring collection, or compare with mined diamond in Moissanite vs Diamond.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is moissanite the same as lab-grown diamond?
No. A lab-grown diamond is real diamond made of carbon. Moissanite is a different gemstone made of silicon carbide.
Is moissanite cheaper than lab-grown diamond?
Yes. For the same size and look, moissanite typically costs less than a lab-grown diamond.
Which sparkles more, moissanite or lab-grown diamond?
Moissanite shows more rainbow fire because of its higher dispersion. Lab-grown diamond shows a whiter, softer sparkle.