Is Moissanite a Fake Diamond?

Moissanite is usually considered a 'fake diamond or “cheap diamond.”. This label is mostly given because it looks like a diamond and many of its properties match those of a diamond, such as its luster and brilliance. Notably, it is lab-created, which further strengthens this perception.This misconception occurs because information about this stone is limited, and incomplete information always creates confusion. In today's blog, we will dispel this confusion and clarify whether moissanite is a genuine gemstone or merely a low-cost imitation of a diamond.

In this blog, we will discuss many important aspects, after understanding which your misconception will be cleared whether moissanite is a "fake" stone or not.

Moissanite: A Brief Introduction 

How is Moissanite Made?

Just like the natural formation process of diamond is replicated in the laboratory to create lab-grown diamonds, the natural formation process of moissanite is replicated in the lab to create moissanite as natural, which is exactly like natural one in all properties. Although it is very rare in nature, even rarer than natural diamonds, modern techniques can produce it in the lab, giving us the same shine, strength, and beauty as natural moissanite gemstones.

Natural moissanite is formed under extreme heat and extreme pressure. Such extreme conditions are created when meteorites enter the Earth's atmosphere, as well as in volcanic eruptions. However, these extreme conditions are very rare. The natural formation of moissanite requires temperatures ranging from about 2500 to 3600 Fahrenheit and pressures of 5 to 10 gigapascals (gPa). This is why moissanite is found in very small quantities in nature.

That's why moissanite is created by recreating this process in the laboratory, which is called the high pressure-high temperature (HPHT) process. Moissanite created in the lab through this process is exactly like natural moissanite in almost every way.

Difference Between Natural and Lab-Grown Moissanite

Although both natural and lab-created moissanite are similar in every respect, there are several aspects other than properties that make them different from each other.

Rarity

The optimum conditions for the creation of natural moissanite are rare, which is why they are very rare. Lab-made moissanite is often created using international technology.

Appearance

Natural moissanite often has inclusions, but its sparkle and fire are not reduced. A moissanite made in lab looks similar to natural but has fewer inclusions and can be formed in a variety of colors.

Cost

Natural moissanite is much more expensive than lab-grown due to its rarity.

Environmental impact

Natural moissanite has to be mined to be carved, which causes a lot of damage to the environment. In contrast, lab-grown moissanite is very environmentally friendly as it does not have to be mined.

Appearances of Moissanite and Diamond

Moissanite has additional shine.

Talking about moissanite, just like diamond, its appearance is affected a lot by its cut. However, color also plays a big role in enhancing its appearance. One thing to know is that the refractive index of moissanite is higher than that of diamond, due to which its brilliance and fire are more than that of diamond, which creates a rainbow-like effect.

Another special thing in it that is not found in diamonds is double refraction. Due to this, the facets appear double at some angles. Moissanite is clearer than diamond because its dispersion rate is high. All these factors make it clear that moissanite is in no way behind diamond in terms of appearance.

 As we have seen, in terms of appearance, moissanite and diamond look similar to the naked eye, but they have many differences, which proves that moissanite is a different stone from diamond, not a diamond, and not like a diamond as well.

Property Comparison Between Moissanite and Diamond

Types of Moissanite and Diamond

Types of Moissanite:

Classic Moissanite: 

This is the traditional version of moissanite, which has a light yellow color and is used for engagement rings.

Forever One Moissanite (Colorless): 

This is modern moissanite that is completely colorless and is equivalent to D-F grade.

Forever One Moissanite: 

It has a light warm tone and falls in the G-H-I range with a slightly warm undertone.

Colored Moissanite: 

It is available in bright colors like green, blue, and pink and is popular for those who like unique designs.

Types of Diamonds:

 Natural Diamonds: 

These diamonds are formed due to extreme pressure and temperature inside the earth and are extracted through mining.

 Lab-Grown Diamonds: 

These diamonds are created in a laboratory and look exactly like natural diamonds, but their manufacturing process is artificial.

 Coloured Diamonds: 

These diamonds come in vibrant colors like yellow, pink, blue, green, etc. due to their chemical impurities or structural variations.

 Synthetic Diamonds: 

These are man-made diamonds that are created in a laboratory but look slightly different from naturally occurring diamonds.

Both the gemstones have their own unique charm, but the types of moissanite and diamond show variations in terms of cut and quality.

Is moissanite a fake diamond?

So far we have learned about natural moissanite and lab-made moissanite. Next, in the second part, we discussed the difference between diamond and moissanite. This makes it clear that moissanite is a natural gemstone in itself, but it is found in very small quantities in nature. Apart from this, it looks exactly like a diamond; perhaps that is why it has been given the tag of synthetic diamond. But there are many differences between it and diamond, except for appearance. It is used more as an alternative to diamond because it provides almost the same beauty at a lower cost than diamond.

Answer

A moissanite is not a fake or cheap diamond, but it is a low-cost alternative to diamond.

What is fake moissanite?

The term "fake moissanite" is misleading because it doesn't exist. All moissanite available on the market is lab-created, making it an authentic gemstone rather than an imitation. If someone claims to sell "fake moissanite," they are likely offering a different material, such as cubic zirconia or a low-quality synthetic stone, and attempting to pass it off as moissanite.

How to check originality

The table given below will help you to spot the difference between real and fake moissanite

How to check

Brilliance and fire.

• Observe Under Natural Light
• Use a magnifying glass or loupe (10x).
• Compare with a Diamond
• Use an LED or flashlight test.

 Hardness

• Scratch test using Mohs scale
• Use professional tools like a diamond tester.
• A fake one will show scratches if worn daily.

Conclusion

In conclusion, moissanite is not a fake or cheap diamond, but a genuine gemstone with its own unique beauty and properties. While it shares similarities with diamonds in appearance, it stands out due to its higher brilliance, double refraction, and lower cost. Moissanite offers an excellent alternative for those seeking diamond-like qualities without the hefty price tag. However, it’s important to be aware of fake moissanite on the market, which lacks the durability and brilliance of real moissanite. By understanding the differences and testing for authenticity, buyers can confidently invest in real moissanite jewelry.

By Golden bird jewels

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