Is Moissanite Lab Grown Diamond

What is Moissanite?

Moissanite is a gemstone that was first discovered in 1893 by French scientist Henri Moissan in a meteor crater in Arizona. The natural form of moissanite is incredibly rare, so virtually all moissanite available today is created in laboratories. However, it’s important to understand that moissanite is not a diamond at all – it’s actually silicon carbide (SiC), a completely different mineral with its own unique properties.

While moissanite may look similar to a diamond to the untrained eye, it has distinct characteristics that set it apart. Moissanite is known for its exceptional brilliance and fire (the colorful flashes of light), which often exceed those of a natural diamond. This is due to its higher refractive index and greater dispersion rate compared to diamonds.

The creation process for moissanite begins with silicon and carbon atoms that are heated to high temperatures where they form crystalline structures. These crystals are then cut and polished using similar techniques to those used for diamonds, resulting in a beautiful gemstone that closely resembles a diamond but has its own unique identity.

Modern moissanite is typically created to be colorless (equivalent to a D-F color diamond), though some may have a slight yellow or grayish tint, especially in larger sizes. Recent advancements have led to the development of “super premium” moissanite that maintains its colorless appearance even in larger carat weights.

On the Mohs scale of hardness, moissanite scores a 9.25, making it the second hardest gemstone used in jewelry after diamond (which rates 10). This exceptional hardness makes moissanite highly resistant to scratching and suitable for everyday wear in rings and other jewelry.

What are Lab Grown Diamonds?

Lab grown diamonds, also known as synthetic or cultured diamonds, are genuine diamonds that are created in controlled laboratory environments rather than mined from the earth. Importantly, lab grown diamonds have the exact same chemical composition, crystal structure, optical properties, and physical characteristics as natural diamonds – they are 100% real diamonds.

There are two primary methods used to create lab grown diamonds. The High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) method mimics the natural conditions under which diamonds form in the Earth’s mantle, applying extreme pressure and heat to carbon. The Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) process involves introducing carbon-rich gas into a chamber where the carbon atoms arrange themselves into a diamond crystal structure on a substrate.

Lab grown diamonds have become increasingly popular in recent years for several reasons. They’re generally 20-40% less expensive than their mined counterparts, they’re considered more environmentally friendly as they don’t require mining, and they come with assurance regarding ethical sourcing.

Just like natural diamonds, lab grown diamonds are graded according to the 4Cs: cut, color, clarity, and carat weight. They exhibit the same optical properties, including the way they reflect and refract light, and they test positive as diamonds using standard diamond testing equipment.

With advancements in technology, lab grown diamonds are now available in a wide range of sizes, colors, and qualities, making them suitable for everything from engagement rings to fashion jewelry. They can be cut into any shape, from traditional round brilliants to fancy cuts like emerald, oval, or pear.

Key Differences Between Moissanite and Lab Grown Diamonds

Although moissanite and lab grown diamonds may look similar at first glance, they are fundamentally different gemstones with distinct characteristics. Understanding these differences is crucial when deciding between these options for your jewelry.

Chemical Composition: The most fundamental difference is that moissanite is made of silicon carbide, while lab grown diamonds are pure carbon in a crystal structure. This difference in composition leads to variations in their properties.

Brilliance and Fire: Moissanite actually has more “fire” (colored light dispersion) than diamonds, which can make it appear more sparkly in certain lighting conditions. Some people love this extra sparkle, while others prefer the more subtle brilliance of a diamond. Moissanite has a refractive index of 2.65-2.69, compared to diamond’s 2.42, meaning it bends light more dramatically.

Hardness: While moissanite is very hard at 9.25 on the Mohs scale, diamonds (including lab grown ones) are still harder at 10. This difference may not be noticeable in everyday wear, but it does mean diamonds are slightly more resistant to scratching.

Color: High-quality moissanite is typically equivalent to a colorless or near-colorless diamond, but some moissanite can display a slight yellow or grayish tint, particularly in larger sizes or under certain lighting conditions. Lab grown diamonds are available in the full range of color grades, just like natural diamonds.

Testing and Identification: Standard diamond testers that rely on thermal conductivity may misidentify moissanite as diamond. However, specialized testers and professional gemologists can easily distinguish between the two stones.

Price Comparison: Moissanite vs Lab Grown Diamonds

One of the most significant factors that draw people to both moissanite and lab grown diamonds is their affordability compared to natural diamonds. However, there are notable price differences between these two options as well.

Moissanite Pricing: Moissanite is typically the most affordable option of the three (natural diamonds, lab grown diamonds, and moissanite). A one-carat equivalent moissanite gemstone might cost between $400 and $600, depending on quality and brand. Premium moissanite brands like Charles & Colvard or MoissaniteCo might be at the higher end of this range. The price of moissanite does increase with size, but not at the same exponential rate as diamonds.

Lab Grown Diamond Pricing: Lab grown diamonds are generally priced at about 40-60% less than natural diamonds of equivalent quality. A one-carat lab grown diamond of good quality might cost between $1,500 and $2,500, depending on its specific characteristics according to the 4Cs. Like natural diamonds, the price of lab grown diamonds increases significantly with carat weight and quality.

Value Considerations: It’s worth noting that while lab grown diamonds are less expensive than natural diamonds, they still retain many of the value characteristics of diamonds. Moissanite, being a different gemstone entirely, is generally priced based on its production costs rather than the supply-demand dynamics that influence diamond pricing.

Long-term Investment: If you’re considering the purchase from an investment perspective, it’s important to understand that neither moissanite nor lab grown diamonds typically appreciate in value over time the way some natural diamonds might. They should be viewed primarily as purchases for enjoyment rather than financial investments.

At Emerson Fine Jewelry, we offer a range of options in different price points to accommodate various budgets while ensuring you receive a beautiful, high-quality gemstone that meets your specific preferences and requirements.

Choosing the Right Stone for Your Solitaire Engagement Ring

Selecting the perfect stone for your engagement ring is a deeply personal decision that depends on various factors including your aesthetic preferences, budget, and values. Here are some considerations to help you decide between moissanite and lab grown diamonds:

Budget Considerations: If your budget is a primary concern, moissanite offers the most affordable option while still providing a beautiful, durable gemstone with exceptional sparkle. Lab grown diamonds provide a middle ground – the authenticity of a real diamond at a more accessible price point than natural diamonds.

Appearance Preferences: Consider whether you prefer the more fiery, rainbow-like sparkle of moissanite or the balanced white sparkle of a diamond. Some people are drawn to moissanite specifically for its unique optical properties, while others prefer the classic look of a diamond.

Size vs. Quality Trade-offs: With moissanite, you can get a much larger stone for the same budget compared to any type of diamond. If having a larger center stone is important to you, moissanite might be the better choice. With lab grown diamonds, you’ll need to consider the same quality factors (cut, color, clarity) as with natural diamonds.

Ethical and Environmental Concerns: Both moissanite and lab grown diamonds are considered ethical and environmentally friendly alternatives to mined diamonds. If these factors are important in your decision, either option would align with these values.

Disclosure and Perception: Consider how important it is to you to have a “real diamond” versus a diamond alternative. Some people care deeply about this distinction, while others prioritize other factors. It’s always important to be transparent about your choice, especially for significant purchases like engagement rings.

At Emerson Fine Jewelry, our expert gemologists can guide you through these options in person, allowing you to see and compare different stones side by side. This hands-on experience often provides the clarity needed to make this important decision with confidence.

Conclusion: Moissanite is Not a Lab Grown Diamond

To directly answer the question posed in the title: No, moissanite is not a lab grown diamond. While both are created in laboratory settings and can look similar to the untrained eye, they are fundamentally different gemstones with distinct chemical compositions and properties.

Moissanite is silicon carbide, while lab grown diamonds are pure carbon – exactly the same material as natural diamonds. This distinction is important for consumers to understand when making purchasing decisions.

Both moissanite and lab grown diamonds offer attractive alternatives to natural diamonds, each with their own set of advantages. Moissanite provides exceptional brilliance and fire at a more accessible price point, while lab grown diamonds offer the authenticity of a real diamond with reduced environmental impact and cost compared to mined diamonds.

The best choice depends entirely on your personal preferences, priorities, and budget. Whether you choose moissanite, a lab grown diamond, or a natural diamond for your engagement ring or fine jewelry, understanding the differences between these options ensures that you can make an informed decision that you’ll be happy with for years to come.

Visit us at Emerson Fine Jewelry in Redlands, CA to explore our collection of moissanite jewelry, lab grown diamonds, and natural diamonds. Our knowledgeable staff is ready to help you find the perfect gemstone that matches both your style and budget.