Compare Moissanite

Moissanite vs. CZ

At first glance moissanite resembles diamond and might be mistaken for diamond, a synthetic diamond or diamond substitute, but in fact, moissanite isn’t a diamond look-alike or a ‘me-too’ stimulant like cubic zirconia. Moissanite is an entirely unique jewel with highly desirable qualities. And when compared with cubic zirconia or CZ (perhaps the world’s most popular diamond stimulant), the differences are obvious, and moissanite’s uniqueness becomes even more desirable. CZ is an inexpensive simulated diamond look-alike and is inferior in almost every gemological property to moissanite. CZ is mass produced under a myriad of trade names and promoted with various brand names. Compared to moissanite, CZ has a lower Mohs hardness. It scratches and abrades easily which causes many consumers to say that CZ loses its surface luster after just a few years. Although CZ claims to scratch glass, many gemstones and jewels are ranked above glass in hardness and can easily scratch glass. Truly, there’s no comparison between moissanite and CZ. Moissanite continually stands out as superior.

Moissanite vs. Synthetics

The difference between synthetics and simulants might seem to be confusing as some synthetics could be marketed as simulants. Simply defined, a synthetic gemstone is basically the same as its natural counterpart and has essentially the same chemical, physical and optical properties; however, it is created by man using laboratory processes. For example, a synthetic ruby is essentially the same mineral as a ruby grown by Mother Nature; however, the synthetic variety is grown by man in a lab. On the other hand, stimulants are created to resemble other substances or gemstones. Stimulants do not necessarily share similar properties. For example, a rhinestone might resemble a diamond or moissanite; however, a rhinestone is made of glass and doesn’t share similar properties with either diamond or moissanite. One of the most popular diamond stimulants or look-alikes is cubic zirconia. CZ is also a synthetic as it is manmade. Lab-created moissanite; however, is best known to be in a category of its own and is marketed and sold as a unique jewel.

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.