Moissanite is a mineral composed of silicon carbide. Often referred to as the gemstone from the stars, it was discovered in 1893 inside of a meteorite in Canyon Diablo, Arizona, by Nobel Prize-winning chemist Henri Moissan. Initially mistakenly identifying his discovery as diamonds, it wasn’t until 1904 that Moissan determined the crystals were, in fact, silicon carbide. This naturally occurring mineral form of what we now call moissanite was named in honor of Moissan later in his life.
In its natural form, moissanite remains very rare. It wasn’t until 1958 that geologists found moissanite outside of meteorites, discovering it in the Earth’s upper mantle near Wyoming.
Today, moissanite is exclusively grown in laboratories as an alternative to diamonds. Created in a controlled environment with advanced technology, it is easily traceable and requires no mining. This means moissanite has a smaller carbon footprint and lessened environmental impact than a naturally mined gem.
Increasingly popular as an alternative to diamonds, moissanite is now widely used in jewelry, especially as the center stone of engagement rings.
Expertise you can trust: Brilliant Earth is known for its award-winning jewelry designs and seamless, innovative shopping experience. This Brilliant Earth gemstone guide compares moissanite vs. diamond, showcasing their differences in appearance, durability, price, and more. All Brilliant Earth guides are meticulously researched and reviewed by our certified gemologists, content, editorial, and brand teams before publication to ensure industry-leading excellence and accuracy.
What Is Moissanite?
Is a Moissanite a Diamond?
Moissanite is a mineral composed of silicon carbide. Often referred to as the gemstone from the stars, it was discovered in 1893 inside of a meteorite in Canyon Diablo, Arizona, by Nobel Prize-winning chemist Henri Moissan. Initially mistakenly identifying his discovery as diamonds, it wasn’t until 1904 that Moissan determined the crystals were, in fact, silicon carbide. This naturally occurring mineral form of what we now call moissanite was named in honor of Moissan later in his life.
In its natural form, moissanite remains very rare. It wasn’t until 1958 that geologists found moissanite outside of meteorites, discovering it in the Earth’s upper mantle near Wyoming.
Today, moissanite is exclusively grown in laboratories as an alternative to diamonds. Created in a controlled environment with advanced technology, it is easily traceable and requires no mining. This means moissanite has a smaller carbon footprint and lessened environmental impact than a naturally mined gem.
Increasingly popular as an alternative to diamonds, moissanite is now widely used in jewelry, especially as the center stone of engagement rings.
MOISSANITE VS. DIAMOND VS. LAB DIAMOND
Durability
Gemstones are measured on the Mohs scale, which addresses a gem's hardness.
Durability
Gemstones are measured on the Mohs scale, which addresses a gem's hardness.
Durability
Gemstones are measured on the Mohs scale, which addresses a gem's hardness.
Durability
Gemstones are measured on the Mohs scale, which addresses a gem's hardness.
Durability
Gemstones are measured on the Mohs scale, which addresses a gem's hardness.
Durability
Gemstones are measured on the Mohs scale, which addresses a gem's hardness.
Durability
Gemstones are measured on the Mohs scale, which addresses a gem's hardness.
Durability
Gemstones are measured on the Mohs scale, which addresses a gem's hardness.
Durability
Gemstones are measured on the Mohs scale, which addresses a gem's hardness.
Durability
Gemstones are measured on the Mohs scale, which addresses a gem's hardness.
Durability
Gemstones are measured on the Mohs scale, which addresses a gem's hardness.
Durability
Gemstones are measured on the Mohs scale, which addresses a gem's hardness.
Durability
Gemstones are measured on the Mohs scale, which addresses a gem's hardness.
Durability
Gemstones are measured on the Mohs scale, which addresses a gem's hardness.
Durability
Gemstones are measured on the Mohs scale, which addresses a gem's hardness.
Durability
Gemstones are measured on the Mohs scale, which addresses a gem's hardness.
Durability
Gemstones are measured on the Mohs scale, which addresses a gem's hardness.
Durability
Gemstones are measured on the Mohs scale, which addresses a gem's hardness.
Durability
Gemstones are measured on the Mohs scale, which addresses a gem's hardness.
Durability
Gemstones are measured on the Mohs scale, which addresses a gem's hardness.
360
MOISSANITE VS. DIAMOND VS. LAB DIAMOND
Durability
Gemstones are measured on the Mohs scale, which addresses a gem's hardness.
Moissanite
Durability Gemstones are measured on the Mohs scale, which addresses a gem's hardness.
Diamond
Durability Gemstones are measured on the Mohs scale, which addresses a gem's hardness.
Lab Diamond
Durability Gemstones are measured on the Mohs scale, which addresses a gem's hardness.
Durability
Gemstones are measured on the Mohs scale, which addresses a gem's hardness.
Moissanite
Durability Gemstones are measured on the Mohs scale, which addresses a gem's hardness.
Diamond
Durability Gemstones are measured on the Mohs scale, which addresses a gem's hardness.
Lab Diamond
Durability Gemstones are measured on the Mohs scale, which addresses a gem's hardness.
Durability
Gemstones are measured on the Mohs scale, which addresses a gem's hardness.
Moissanite
Durability Gemstones are measured on the Mohs scale, which addresses a gem's hardness.
Diamond
Durability Gemstones are measured on the Mohs scale, which addresses a gem's hardness.
Lab Diamond
Durability Gemstones are measured on the Mohs scale, which addresses a gem's hardness.
Durability
Gemstones are measured on the Mohs scale, which addresses a gem's hardness.
Moissanite
Durability Gemstones are measured on the Mohs scale, which addresses a gem's hardness.
Diamond
Durability Gemstones are measured on the Mohs scale, which addresses a gem's hardness.
Lab Diamond
Durability Gemstones are measured on the Mohs scale, which addresses a gem's hardness.
Durability
Gemstones are measured on the Mohs scale, which addresses a gem's hardness.
Moissanite
Durability Gemstones are measured on the Mohs scale, which addresses a gem's hardness.
Diamond
Durability Gemstones are measured on the Mohs scale, which addresses a gem's hardness.
Lab Diamond
Durability Gemstones are measured on the Mohs scale, which addresses a gem's hardness.
How to Tell a Moissanite From a Diamond
If you are not trained in the differences between diamond and moissanite, telling the difference can be difficult. The best way to tell the difference is to line up two similarly sized gemstones, one moissanite, and one diamond, and compare them next to one another.
Moissanite vs. Diamond Side-by-Side
The distinct sparkle of a diamond is a unique combination of reflected light, the colors that refract through it, and its scintillation. While moissanite exhibits light reflection, color refraction, and scintillation, it also features more than two times the amount of 'fire' than diamonds, meaning it shows more intense flashes of rainbow light than diamonds. This 'disco ball' effect, which is more prominent in moissanite with larger carat weights, is the best way to quickly distinguish between moissanite and diamond.
To officially confirm the difference between a moissanite and a diamond, take it to a trained professional. By examining the ‘doubling’ of opposing facet junctions with a loupe, they can validate if your stone is a moissanite or a diamond.
Benefits of Moissanite
Mining Free
Moissanite is lab created with minimal environmental impact.
Value
Moissanite is less expensive per carat than many other gemstones.
Tips on Selecting a Moissanite
While shopping for a moissanite is not unlike shopping for any other gemstone, there are a few things to keep in mind.
Unlike diamonds that are graded by independent institutions on cut, color, clarity, and carat, moissanites are reviewed only for cut, color, and clarity. Then, at Brilliant Earth, they’re categorized by their color and rated as Premium or Super Premium. A Premium moissanite is similar to a G-H color diamond, while a Super Premium moissanite is in the D-E-F range. As the technology to create a moissanite is so advanced, there is very little variation in their quality.
Lastly, it’s most important to consider if moissanite is the right gemstone for you. To come to a conclusion, think about its difference from diamonds (its fire, scintillation, price, and durability) to determine if it’s your ideal fit.
Popular Engagement Rings
Discover our most popular engagement ring settings.
TOP 10 ENGAGEMENT RINGS
Secret Garden
Secret Garden
Secret Garden
Secret Garden