Moissanite vs Lab Diamonds: Cost, Comparison, & Considerations

In the late 1800s, a scientist named Henri Moissan discovered mineral moissanite while studying rock samples from a meteor crater located in Canyon Diablo, Arizona. Moissan was convinced that he had discovered diamonds, due to the stones’ shiny appearance. In 1904, however, after years of close examination, he realized that the crystals he had found did not have the same chemical composition of diamonds — they were made from silicon carbide. Little did he know that scientists had already found a way to create artificial silicon carbide in laboratories just two years before. The mineral form he had found, however, was named Moissanite in his honor.

A moissanite “diamond” is not a diamond at all. Moissanite is a naturally occurring crystal made from silicon carbide that is used as an inexpensive alternative in jewelry and engagement rings. Simply put — moissanite diamonds are fake diamonds.

Natural moissanite — which was originally created by a meteorite that hit the earth and formed a crater — is incredibly rare. So most moissanite on the market is man-made.

No, moissanite does not test as a diamond. It has an entirely different chemical composition. It is also less durable than diamonds.

Moissanite is also graded differently. Both mined and lab-grown diamonds (real diamonds with different points of origin) are graded by the 4Cs — cut, color, clarity, and carat weight. Moissanite is only graded on color. When consumers buy moissanite, they choose from Premium (G-H on the color scale) or Super Premium (D-F).

The clarity of moissanite is essentially perfect for each stone. Lab-grown and mined diamonds, however, feature inclusions. They must be graded on clarity, as well as cut and carat weight. These factors further underline the difference between moissanite and diamonds.

Moissanite is one of the most affordable simulants on the market today. It costs a tenth of what a mined diamond costs. The price of moissanite is based on its size and the difference between Premium and Super Premium color grading.

Lab-grown diamonds, including VRAI created diamonds, are also less expensive than mined diamonds, but this is not due to a difference in quality. VRAI created diamonds are grown in our zero-emission foundry. No mining companies, cartels, or other middlemen are paid in order for us to receive our diamonds. This means that VRAI created diamonds are available at a more accessible price to consumers.

Lab-grown diamonds are sometimes incorrectly referred to as synthetic or simulated diamonds, but lab-grown and simulated diamonds are not the same. Lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds, made from carbon, above ground in a laboratory. Synthetic diamonds, like moissanite, are made from synthetic materials. If a man-made diamond is similar to a plant grown in a greenhouse instead of outside, then a synthetic diamond would be similar to a fake plant sold in a store.

The most common diamond simulant besides moissanite is cubic zirconia. Cubic zirconia has grown in popularity over the years due to its affordability — it is much less expensive than mined or lab-grown diamonds. But part of this is because, like moissanite, cubic zirconia is not diamond at all. It’s a crystalline form of zirconium dioxide. Zirconium oxide powder is exposed to extremely high temperatures until it melts. Then it is left to cool, and that is when crystals begin to form. The end result is a gemstone similar in appearance to diamonds that can be used for jewelry making.

Like moissanite, cubic zirconia and any other gem claiming to be a synthetic diamond, cannot be considered ethical or environmentally-friendly. The short-term solutions they offer are often outweighed by the long-term effects of their carbon emissions

The most common diamond simulant besides moissanite is cubic zirconia. Cubic zirconia has grown in popularity over the years due to its affordability — it is much less expensive than mined or lab-grown diamonds. This is because, like moissanite, cubic zirconia is not a diamond at all.

Cubic Zirconia is a crystalline form of zirconium dioxide. Zirconium oxide powder is exposed to extremely high temperatures until it melts. Then it’s left to cool, and crystals begin to form. The result is a gemstone similar in appearance to diamonds that is used for jewelry making.

Moissanite is more popular than cubic zirconia because it is more durable, has more brilliance, and does not change color over time.

Like moissanite, cubic zirconia, and any diamond simulant, cannot be considered entirely ethical or environmentally friendly. The short-term solutions they offer are often outweighed by the long-term effects of their carbon emissions.

If you’re considering buying a Moissanite engagement ring or jewelry, consider the following:

• Noticeable Tint. Moissanite typically has a slightly green or yellow tint.
• Not as Reputable. Moissanite is used as an imitation diamond but it is not a diamond. It does not have the same worth, respect, and cache that diamonds do.
• “Fake” Appearance. While moissanite has a unique brilliance, it is noticeably different from diamonds. As such, it’s easy to tell that moissanite is fake.
• Harder to Find. Moissanite is not as desirable as diamonds. If you’re looking for a moissanite engagement ring, they can be harder to find and you’ll typically have fewer design options.
• Little Value. Moissanite’s low price is a reflection of its low worth.
• High carbon footprint. Moissanite production can have just as high of a carbon footprint as diamond mining. It may be more ethical, but it’s not necessarily more sustainable.