It might seem strange that this is called a comparison article due to the apples and oranges comparison that gemstones have. This is especially true when we look at the origin, the structure, and the value of these stones.
But let's take a step back and look at it through "older" sorts of eyes.
For over 120,000 years, many humans have decorated themselves. Why did they do this? well, back during prehistoric time periods, they wore these to stand out. This is because they would decorate themselves and would make the uniqueness of them stand out. They're still used to this day to adorn oneself with jewelry, and here, we'll talk a little bit about diamonds and moissanite.
Moissanite is one that sparkles like the way diamonds do but is much more affordable. While they do sparkle and look beautiful, let's look at the differences here.
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Shop Loose GemstonesFirst, What's Moissanite
Moissanite is something that is typically synthetic, and is called man-made, but it is still fascinating. It was created first in labs before they were found directly within nature. Right when alchemists tried to make gold, humans tried to improve the creations they made in nature. E.G. Acheson did create a dark, almost hexagonal crystal that was similar to the production of diamonds.
This material is lab-grown, and the original intent was not a gemstone. Because it's wear-resistant and hard, the black and opaque crystals created with a material that was abrasive known as by many to be silicon carbide, and was known as carborundum, and this is something that's invented through the combination of the diamond names, and a hardness of around 9.
Moissanite in the wild is very deep within the mantle and is transported to our earth surface the same way that diamonds are. Many of them are very rare to find, especially since until recently was only found in strikes of meteorites.
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Shop NowWhat About Diamonds
They're the cream of the crop when it comes to the gems. They are the hardest gem out there, and they are appealing to many.
They're brought to our surface through volcanic eruptions that start within the oldest and deepest parts of our landmasses, and usually, they sit like keels on boats.
They then move past the stability zone, and there are millions and billions of these that are younger called kimberlites.
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Curious how moissanite, diamond, and other stones stack up? See how the Mohs hardness scale works.
Read the GuideThe Difference
For most within the trade, the first difference is the setting and the stone as it's thrown together. This is because moissanite is usually much cheaper than a diamond, especially when it's from a lab.
Many will also notice the gold-coated nature as well of this that those that are more mass-produced are made. With moissanite, it has a sort of "fire" to it, making it look much more expensive than it actually might be.
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Browse SapphiresThere is also the double refraction, which is a unique quality that relates to the way the crystals form originally, and how the gemstones are able to grow.
Diamonds in particular are part of cubic crystal systems, while moissanites are part of what's called the hexagonal group. You can use a polariscope in order to tell the two gems apart.
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Buy NowYou can also separate both of these when you look at the gem facets, especially those that are opposite of you.
Moissanite tends to refract back and will look almost double because of this. In contrast, a diamond will not do this.
While this might seem complex, both of these stones are quite beautiful, with a unique history that a lot of gem collectors and sellers love and will talk about.
Continue Learning About Gemstones & Minerals
Learn the hands-on techniques gemologists use to identify natural gemstones by color, hue, and luster.
Weigh the pros and cons of investing in natural loose gemstones before adding one to your collection.
Discover what makes natural emeralds one of the most sought-after green gemstones in the world.
Take a look back at the fascinating history of gemstone collecting through the ages.
Learn the meaning, colors, and healing lore behind tourmaline, the vibrant October birthstone.
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