How does Moissanite compare to Diamond?

Moissanite vs. Diamonds

Brilliant, durable and near-colorless diamond and moissanite are often compared. However, under closer examination, you can see that these two unique stones have several key differences. The most obvious difference is that moissanite and diamond are two entirely different jewels with distinctly different chemical compositions, physical characteristics and optical properties. Moissanite’s chemical composition is silicon carbide and diamond is composed of carbon. While both sparkle, moissanite actually has a higher brilliance than diamond when you compare refractive indices. Moissanite’s measurement of brilliance or refractive index (RI) of 2.65-2.69 is about 10% higher than diamonds RI of 2.42. Not only does moissanite have a higher refractive index than diamond, but its dispersion (fire) measured at 0.104 is nearly two and a half times more than diamond’s (0.044). Interestingly diamond has a natural affinity to grease and therefore it easily attracts grease which builds up on diamond’s surface and can reduce its luster appearance. Moissanite is less likely to attract grease, sparkling brightly even when it hasn’t been cleaned in a long time. Moissanie is also more durable than diamond and less likely to cleave into two pieces when force is applied. What’s more, today’s commonly promoted engagement ring diamond is lower in quality, and moissanite’s exceptional cutting is evident by the way moissanite out shines many diamonds. In every way, moissanite is a superior choice for beautiful, unique jewelry.