Moissanite vs Lab Grown Diamonds
Both are lab-created alternatives to mined diamonds, but they are fundamentally different gemstones with distinct properties.
Different Gemstones Entirely
Lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds—pure crystallized carbon with the same properties as mined diamonds. Moissanite is a completely different gemstone composed of silicon carbide (SiC). While both can be created in laboratories, they have different chemical compositions, optical properties, and characteristics.
Side by Side Analysis
| Property | Lab-Grown Diamond | Moissanite |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical Composition | Pure Carbon (C) | Silicon Carbide (SiC) |
| Hardness (Mohs) | 10 (Hardest natural substance) | 9.25 |
| Refractive Index | 2.42 | 2.65-2.69 (Higher) |
| Dispersion (Fire) | 0.044 | 0.104 (More rainbow fire) |
| Brilliance | Classic white brilliance | More colorful sparkle |
| Refraction Type | Single refractive | Double refractive |
| Origin | Lab-created or mined | Almost exclusively lab-created |
| Grading | 4Cs (Cut, Color, Clarity, Carat) | Primarily color graded |
| Is it a diamond? | Yes, real diamond | No, different gemstone |
Lab-Grown Diamonds
Lab-grown diamonds are chemically, physically, and optically identical to mined diamonds. They are pure carbon and score a 10 on the Mohs hardness scale—the hardest natural substance on Earth.
They produce classic diamond brilliance, reflecting white light in the characteristic way diamonds have been valued for centuries. Lab-grown diamonds are graded using the same 4Cs standards as mined diamonds.
Being real diamonds, they share all the properties that make diamonds the traditional choice for engagement rings and fine jewelry.
Moissanite
Moissanite is a gemstone composed of silicon carbide. Natural moissanite is extremely rare (found in meteorites), so virtually all moissanite in jewelry is lab-created.
With a higher refractive index and greater dispersion than diamond, moissanite produces more "rainbow fire"—the colored light flashes that appear when the stone is moved. This creates a more colorful sparkle that some find attractive, while others prefer diamond's classic brilliance.
Moissanite is double refractive, which can create a subtle doubling effect in larger stones, particularly under magnification.
Explore Lab Grown Diamonds
Discover the beauty of real diamonds created with advanced technology.
Continue Learning: Lab Grown Diamonds · Lab vs Mined · The 4Cs