How does moissanite compare to diamond?

  • Very similar hardness (9.25+ vs 10), but lower value makes moissanite a bit less brittle, less prone to chipping and more durable overall
  • Higher refractive index (2.65–2.69 vs 2.42), which gives moissanite more brilliance and sparkle compared to diamonds
  • Lower Abbe number. It means that moissanite tends to disperse light into colors more than diamond, giving moissanite more fiery or rainbow colors
  • Usually lab-produced, so much more ethical in general, and much higher clarity on average
  • It’s waaay cheaper

So for anyone going for a diamond ring, I suggest trying moissanite instead. The only thing that diamond has going for it in this comparison is just decades-long PR. It’s not even a fun gem chemistry-wise, it’s just carbon. Moissanite, on the other hand, is SiC :)

  • @iamdisillusioned
    6•1 year ago

    When I lost my first engagement ring, I could only afford to replace it with a moissanite. The moissanite definitely has more fire but the double refraction makes it oddly bright in sunlight. I found myself missing my diamond and ended up getting a lab diamond upgrade. Both beautiful gems in ever so slightly different ways.

    • fearoutOP
      1•1 year ago

      Thanks, that’s interesting to know. Btw, do you mind sharing what felt oddly bright about moissanite specifically? Was it too noticeable/distracting in your periphery vision? Haven’t heard someone comment that about them before.