Have you ever thought of how moissanite is made? Or wondered how natural diamonds are sourced? Diamonds have been in the spotlight for years until moissanite came into view.
Since it was found in a meteorite by Henri Moissan in Arizona, the gemstone has garnered interest over the years and is now a highly sought-after choice for jewelry.
We know you have many questions; you might be wondering how to tell the difference between moissanite and a diamond, or if moissanite is worth the hype.
In this article, we will provide the answers to all your questions regarding how moissanite and diamonds are formed and how you can tell them apart.
The Story of How Moissanite was Detected
Moissanite was first discovered by a French chemist known as Henri Moissan. In the late 1800s, he was searching for crystalline heat conductors.
Later on, he spotted a couple of crystals in a meteorite. At first, he thought those sparkly materials were diamonds but his findings in 1904 proved that those crystals were silicon carbide.
Years later, the silicon carbide crystals were named “moissanite,” in honor of the French Nobel prize winner who discovered them.
Records from the American Gem Society showed that Moissan spent the rest of his life working tirelessly to reproduce the silicon carbide crystals he found. But unfortunately, all his attempts were futile.
Later in the 1990s, some scientists from North Carolina’s Research Triangle Park formulated and patented a procedure for producing pure silicon carbide.
How Moissanite is Made
Natural moissanite is very rare to find because it forms under intense high-temperature conditions, similar to those found during meteorite contact. Natural moissanite has been found to exist in the upper mantle of the Earth’s crust, meteorites, and as by-products of some geological processes.
It has also been identified in inclusions in diamonds and volcanic material such as kimberlite and xenoliths. Due to its infinitesimal amount in nature, most of the moissanite in the market is lab-grown.
The process of how moissanite is made in a laboratory can be quite time-consuming. Though the time frame needed to create the silicon carbide mineral depends on the laboratory. Seeing that moissanite comprises silicon carbide, its synthesis would require the formation of silicon carbide crystals.
The most common means of generating these crystals is through chemical vapor deposition. This method involves the systematic layering of silicon and carbon atoms.
After the silicon crystals have set, they are polished into gemstones by jewel cutters. Before any moissanite gem is released into the market, it undergoes a series of quality assessments to ensure compliance with the standards of the jewelry industry.
How Natural Diamond is Formed
Diamonds are one of the oldest materials in existence. Millions of years ago, they were formed deep in the Earth’s crust by the action of high temperature and pressure. Having pure carbon as their sole constituent, these factors position them as the hardest naturally occurring substance in existence.
But diamonds did not remain inside the earth’s upper mantle; volcanic eruptions did bring them to the earth's surface. Hence, placing they in volcanic formations called kimberlite pipes for mining.
Before a natural diamond gem is formed, its ore has to be extracted from the earth and taken to designated plants. There, rough diamonds are produced from a series of processes. After the rough diamonds are taken out, they are subjected to procedures that include marking, bruting, polishing, reviewing, and grading.
The valuation of every diamond rests on four elements, which were determined by the International Gemological Institute: its carat weight, clarity, color and cut.
How to Tell the Difference Between Moissanite and a Diamond
At a glance, you might not be able to pinpoint the variance between the gems. But if you look closely enough, you will realize that moissanite and diamond have striking peculiarities.
Their differences are outlined in the table below.
| Moissanite | Diamond | |
|---|---|---|
| Brilliance | It has a higher refractive index of which makes it have a more colorful, rainbow-like sparkle when exposed to light. | When exposed to light, it usually has a white sparkle and has a lower refractive index. |
| Double Refraction | It possesses this characteristic, which enables an object to look doubled when viewed through it. | It lacks this property. |
| Composition | It is made of silicon and carbon. | It is made of only pure carbon. |
| Hardness | It has a Mohs scale rating of 9.25 and is known as one of the strongest minerals. | It is harder than moissanite, having the highest Mohs scale rating of 10. |
Judging by the table above, though they are similar in some respects, there are still ways in which natural diamond and moissanite are at variance, especially in terms of sparkle and refraction.
Can Moissanite Pass Diamond Tester?—An Insider’s Report
Jewelers use diamond testers to identify diamonds by evaluating how well the gemstones conduct heat. Diamonds owe their hardness to their tight carbon structure; this attribute also makes them have a high level of thermal conductivity. Moissanite, with its silicon carbide composition, conducts heat just as well.
The way a diamond tester works is simple. It generates heat and transfers it to a gemstone through its metallic tip, then it measures the rate at which the stone disperses the heat.
If the examined gemstone disperses heat like a diamond, a match is indicated by either beeps or light flashes.
Moissanite's hardness can make it dissipate heat as fast as a diamond would.
In 2025, Mehedi Hasan, a jewelry enthusiast, performed a diamond and moissanite testing experiment using three diverse diamond testers. The test revealed that moissanite passed as a diamond through all the testers, including the Presidium Multi-Tester III.
Regardless, since diamonds are harder than moissanite with a perfect Mohs rating of 10, moissanite stones might not pass as “diamond” in some advanced diamond testers, particularly those that measure electrical conductivity.
So, can moissanite pass the diamond tester? Yes, but it might not pass through more sophisticated diamond testing tools.
The Diamond Simulants of Today: Which is Better, Moissanite or Cubic Zirconia
Diamonds’ pricey nature has given rise to diamond simulants. These simulants are substances that bear a close semblance to diamonds in terms of looks but are different from them in every other respect.
Today, there are several diamond alternatives out there, such as rhinestone and topaz, but moissanite and cubic zirconia remain the most common choices. Considering that both gems rarely occur in nature, nearly all of their pieces are made in the lab.
Over time, people have been asking which is better, moissanite or cubic zirconia?
The table below shows the diverse characteristics of these two crystalline materials, as well as the advantages that moissanite has over cubic zirconia.
| Moissanite | Cubic Zirconia | |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical Composition | Silicon and carbon. | Zirconium and oxygen. |
| Hardness | Its Mohs scale rating is 9.25. | In comparison, it is weaker, having a lower Mohs scale rating, within the 8 and 8.5 range. |
| Resistance to Breaking | It is tougher than cubic zirconia. | It has a higher likelihood of breaking or chipping off. |
| Brilliance | It has a signature rainbow-like appearance. It owes this characteristic to its high refractive index and its ability to disperse light quickly. | It has a rather mundane look, which may seem superficial. |
| Thermal Conductivity | It is a good conductor of heat; its conductivity is almost on the same level as that of diamonds. | It is a poor conductor of heat. |
People often choose cubic zirconia jewelry because they are usually more affordable. However, the truth is, they are not the best for long-term use.
Moissanite is also a better choice in terms of visual appeal, durability, and long-term value.
Thus, if you are looking for a sustainable and more fitting jewelry option, moissanite is the right fit.
Why You Should Go for Moissanite Jewelry
Moissanite is quickly becoming the people's favourite when it comes to jewelry gems, and the reason is not far-fetched. Unlike the relatively lower financial resources that go into how moissanite is made, diamond production is very expensive.
The numerous processes involved in producing diamond gemstones make diamond jewelry pricey. As for other diamond alternatives, none of them holds the same appeal as moissanite, be it in terms of beauty or sustainability.
Conclusion
These two in-demand gems appear similar, but certain characteristics tell them apart. For instance, diamond is harder than moissanite, while moissanite offers a more colorful glow, unlike the white luster diamonds produce. The choice of which is better between moissanite and natural diamond is up to you. If you're the type who doesn't mind spending a lot on jewelry, natural diamonds could be your best bet. On the other hand, moissanite positions itself as a pocket-friendly, equally beautiful, and long-lasting choice.
At Kloira, we believe fine jewelry doesn’t need to cost a fortune. Our moissanite pieces have been carefully designed to give the brilliance and strength that is expected of a typical luxury brand, whilst being affordable. You can also design your own pendant like Henri, one of our clients, and have your own custom jewelry piece.
If you are set to expand your jewelry collection, visit Kloira.com today and pick a piece that suits you best in our catalog of luxury jewelry.
FAQs
Is moissanite a lab-grown diamond?
It is a lab-grown silicon carbide crystal rather than a diamond.
Can you tell the difference between moissanite and diamond?
They might seem identical, but their behavior on exposure to light can serve as a litmus test. Moissanite shows a rainbow-like glow when exposed to light, while diamonds pop up a white sparkle.
Can moissanite pass the diamond tester?
Yes, most diamond testers detect diamonds with thermal conductivity. However, in more advanced testers like those who measure electrical conductivity, moissanite might not pass as a diamond.
How is moissanite made?
Natural moissanite is very difficult to find. Practically all of the moissanite in the market is made in labs, through the production and polishing of silicon carbide crystals.
