Moissanite Vs. Lab Diamond: Which Is Better?

When comparing moissanite vs. lab diamond, they look alike but are different stones. A lab diamond is a real diamond made of carbon, with classic brilliance and a 10 on the Mohs scale. Moissanite is silicon carbide, with more rainbow fire and a lower price. Your choice depends on budget, the look you love, and whether you want a diamond.

Table of Contents

• What is Moissanite?
• What is a Lab-Grown Diamond?
• Is Moissanite a Lab-Grown Diamond?
• Difference Between Moissanite and Lab-Grown Diamonds
• Moissanite Vs. Lab Diamond for an Engagement Ring
• How To Tell a Moissanite From a Diamond?
• Moissanite or Lab Diamond: Which Should You Choose?
• How to Shop for Lab-Grown Diamonds?
• Conclusion

What is Moissanite?

In 1893, Henri Moissan found moissanite crystals in samples of meteorite rock from Arizona. It's not made of carbon like a diamond, but of silicon carbide. Most moissanite used in the jewelry industry today is laboratory-grown, as natural moissanite is very rare. It is known for its durability, brightness, and strong rainbow fire. It is a popular option for those who prefer to buy a diamond alternative that is more affordable in price and still has a beautifully distinct sparkle.

What is a Lab-Grown Diamond?

A lab-grown diamond is grown in a laboratory using either CVD or HPHT. It is identical to a mined diamond in terms of physical, chemical, and optical characteristics. The origin is the only difference between the two. A lab-created diamond is produced above ground, while a natural diamond is mined below the surface of the land. They are rated on the basis of the 4C’s diamond quality factors: Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat weight.

Is Moissanite a Lab-Grown Diamond?

No. Moissanite is not a lab-grown diamond, and it isn’t a real diamond either. Both stones are made in a lab, which is why people often mix them up, but they’re made of different materials.

A lab-grown diamond is pure carbon, with the same crystal structure as a diamond mined from the earth. It’s a real diamond and is graded on the 4Cs by labs like GIA and IGI.

Moissanite is made of silicon carbide. It’s a separate gemstone that looks similar to a diamond, so people buy it as a diamond alternative. It isn’t graded on the diamond scale.

SHOP Lab Grown Diamond

Difference Between Moissanite and Lab-Grown Diamonds

Moissanite and lab-grown diamonds are commonly used in jewelry to add radiance to the piece. As it happens, consumers often mistake moissanite for a diamond. However, moissanite and lab-grown diamonds have very different characteristics.

Factor	Moissanite	Lab-Grown Diamond
Identity	Diamond alternative	Real diamond
Composition	Silicon carbide	Carbon
Price	Generally lower	Generally higher
Sparkle	Stronger rainbow fire	Traditional diamond brilliance
Appearance	Clear and vibrant	Just like traditional diamonds
Durability	9.25 Mohs	10 Mohs
Certification	Not graded as a diamond	Can come with IGI, GIA, or GCAL reports

The most important differences lie in the sparkle, durability, and certification. The sparkle reflected by moissanite is more of a colorful rainbow fire in comparison to the clear shine returned by a lab-grown or mined diamond. The clean sparkle of a diamond makes it as valued as it is.

Another key difference is the hardness, which determines the durability of the stone. A diamond, both lab-grown and mined, is rated 10 on the Mohs scale, which is the highest rating. Whereas a moissanite is rated 9.25, making it comparatively less durable.

Moreover, diamonds are certified by reputed laboratories such as GIA, IGI, and GCAL, which verify the quality of a diamond. When lab-grown diamonds are backed by certification from major laboratories, you can be assured of the quality of the diamond you are buying. These labs do not grade moissanite.

Moissanite Vs. Lab Diamond for an Engagement Ring

Both these stones can be used for an engagement ring, but they often serve different priorities. Moissanite may be the best option for individuals looking for a bigger stone, a more affordable price, and greater rainbow fire. Lab-grown diamonds are ideal for those seeking a genuine diamond with classic brilliance, recognized grading, and durability.

Your choice can also be guided by the appearance you want to highlight. Moissanite may look vibrant and colorful. Lab-grown diamonds often have a classic diamond look that many buyers associate with engagement rings.

If the identity of the diamond is important to you, then a lab diamond is the better choice.

How To Tell a Moissanite From a Diamond?

It may be possible to tell a moissanite from a diamond at times, but not always. Lab-created diamonds might exhibit a more traditional diamond look with fewer rainbow flashes, and moissanite may have more rainbow flashes. However, visual inspection is not always accurate. The size, cut, shape, lighting, and setting of stones will influence the perception. A professional test and certification will provide a more accurate answer.

Moissanite or Lab Diamond: Which Should You Choose?

Preference will be determined primarily by what you value most. So, you may consider moissanite if you seek a lower price, a larger-sized center stone, and solid rainbow fire. It may be a good option for buyers who like its look and do not need the stone to be a diamond.

If you specifically prefer a diamond, though, pick a lab-grown diamond. It possesses all the main attributes of a mined diamond, has the same levels of brilliance as a mined diamond and is recognized by grading standards. It also provides the buyer with the highest hardness level available in a gemstone used for fine jewelry.

Still confused? Then ask yourself a simple question: “Do you want a diamond or do you want a diamond alternative?”

Lab-grown diamonds align with expectations if you're looking for a diamond. Moissanite could be a consideration if size and cost are your priorities.

How to Shop for Lab-Grown Diamonds?

When looking for lab-grown diamonds, check for certifications from reputable third-party diamond grading organizations like GIA, IGI, or GCAL. Test the 4C’s prior to selection. Cut affects brilliance. The color will impact the look of the diamond's whiteness or warmth. The clarity can have an impact on the appearance of the stone. The size is influenced by carat weight.

You can also look at measurements, videos, grading reports, and settings before deciding. Also, check out the retailer's buyer-friendly policies. These would cover frequently asked questions, return policy, lifetime warranty, and lifetime upgrade, all of which will ensure that you enjoy a great shopping and after-sales experience too!

Conclusion

While both are beautiful, Moissanite and lab-grown diamonds are not identical. Moissanite is an affordable, durable alternative to diamonds with a strong rainbow fire. A lab-grown diamond is a genuine diamond with traditional brilliance, credible grading, and maximum hardness. Choose one of the two depending on whether you want a diamond or an alternative to the precious stone.