Moissanite stones are beautiful gemstones that come from meteorites. Some people also call them space diamonds because they are found deep within the Earths mantle. There are similarities to see in moissanite compared to diamond but they are different.
Again, moissanite is rarer than diamonds.
French scientist Henri Moissan discovered Moissanite in 1879. Today, people refer to moissanite as a synthetic diamond that has no carbon atoms. It is composed entirely of silicon and oxygen. This makes it much harder than natural diamonds.
Research around moissanite over the years has presented possibilities of manufacturing the gemstone in the lab. In the past few decades, scientists have successfully created moissanite using high-pressure and high-temperature methods. The process involves heating up a mixture of elements such as silicon, oxygen, sodium, iron, calcium and several others. This procedure produces better diamond alternatives in the name of moissanite.
How does Moissanite Compare to Diamonds
A diamond comprises mainly of pure carbon while a moissanite contains only silicon and oxygen. The difference between these two materials shows up when looking at them under an electron microscope. A diamond will appear completely black while a moissanite will look white.
To get a clear picture of what makes Moissanite different from diamonds, here are important facts to know:
- Hardness and durability. Moissanite is harder than diamond. In fact, it is 10 times stronger than diamond. Because of this, moissanite is more durable than diamonds. Moissanite can withstand extreme heat or pressure better than any other material on earth.
- Chemical composition. Moissanite is composed of silicon and oxygen. Unlike diamonds, which contain carbon, moissanite contains no carbon.
- Moissanite is more scratch resistant than diamonds. Due to its hardness, moissanite can resist scratches better than most other gemstones.
- Color. Moissanite comes in many colors including yellow, pink, blue, green, orange, red, and purple. This is unlike diamond, which is always colorless.
- Sparkle and brilliance. Moissanite stones have higher refractive index than conventional diamond. Refractive index refers to how light bends when passing through a substance. Therefore, moissanite appears shinier than diamond under same light conditions.
- Moissanite has better thermal conductivity than diamonds. Thermal conductivity is the ability of a material to transfer heat. Moissanite has superior thermal conductivity than diamonds due to its high density. Therefore, it will conduct hear faster from your skin and leave you conformable.
- Moissanite has higher resistance to radiation damage than diamonds. Radiation damage occurs when electrons pass through a crystal structure causing it to lose some of its properties. Moissanite is less susceptible to radiation damage than diamonds because of its unique chemical makeup.
- Moissanite creators can cut it into any shape. On the contrary, you cannot cut diamonds without losing their shine and luster. However, cutting moissanite happens with ease. This makes it a great option for meeting varying needs based on the shape of a gemstone.
- Cost. Diamonds have a higher price tag than moissanite but this does not mean that one material is better than the other. Both Moissanite and diamonds are valuable gems. In fact, both materials work well for jewelry purposes. The main difference between the two is that moissanite is more affordable than diamonds.
- Weight considerations. Moissanite weighs about half as much as a diamond. That means moissanite is lighter than diamonds. This makes it easier to carry around.
Buy Choice – Moissanite vs Diamond
We all have different tastes and preferences hence the different choices between jewelry gemstones. However, for moissanite and diamond, deciding between them is not always easy. Even with that, moissanite appears to have an upper edge over diamond. For common jewelry lovers, moissanite is a better choice.
If you are looking for high-end jewelry collection, diamond is still the best choice. However, if you want something that is affordable and lightweight, then moissanite is the right choice. Therefore, it all narrows down to your specific needs.
Moissanite vs Diamonds Conclusion
The above information shows why moissanite is a better choice over diamonds. Its not just because its cheaper; it also offers several advantages like being more durable, having a higher refractive index, being more scratch-resistant, having better thermal conductivity, having better color, being able to be cut into any shape, and weighing less than diamonds.
