​Natural Diamond vs. Moissanite: Key Differences

Natural Diamond vs. Moissanite: Key Differences

Natural diamonds and Moissanite are both popular choices for gemstone jewelry, but they have several key differences that set them apart. Here are the primary distinctions between the two:

1. Origin:

• Natural Diamond: Diamonds are formed deep within the Earth's mantle over millions of years. They are created under high pressure and temperature conditions from carbon atoms.
• Moissanite: Moissanite is a lab-created gemstone. It is silicon carbide, and while it occurs naturally in trace amounts, the moissanite used in jewelry is grown in a laboratory setting.

2. Hardness:

• Natural Diamond: Diamonds are the hardest known naturally occurring material and rank as a 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness.
• Moissanite: Moissanite is also very hard and ranks at 9.25 on the Mohs scale, making it almost as hard as a diamond.

3. Brilliance and Fire:

• Natural Diamond: Diamonds are known for their exceptional brilliance and fire, which is a result of their refractive index and the way they interact with light.
• Moissanite: Moissanite has a high refractive index, and it often displays as good brilliance and fire as natural diamonds, making it a popular diamond alternative.

4. Color:

• Natural Diamond: Diamonds come in various colors, with colorless or near-colorless diamonds being the most highly valued. Colored diamonds, often called "fancy colored diamonds," come in a wide range of hues.
• Moissanite: Moissanite is typically near-colorless or slightly tinted, although some variations are available in different colors like green or yellow.

5. Price:

• Natural Diamond: Natural diamonds can be quite expensive, with the price influenced by factors like carat weight, cut, clarity, and color.
• Moissanite: Moissanite is more affordable than natural diamonds, making it an attractive option for those seeking a diamond look without the high cost.

6. Rarity:

• Natural Diamond: Natural diamonds are rare and finite resources, and their availability is subject to mining and market fluctuations.
• Moissanite: Moissanite is created in a controlled laboratory environment, making it a more sustainable and consistent option in terms of availability.

In summary, the primary differences between natural diamonds and Moissanite are their origin, hardness, visual properties, cost, and rarity. Your choice between the two will depend on your preferences, budget, and the specific characteristics you value in a gemstone.

Since Moissanite is an unnatural lab grown stone we do not offer it here at Asher Gems. However, please feel free to check out our section of Natural Diamonds here