While purchasing a beautiful engagement ring, you might have been confused between lab-created diamonds & moissanite? Right? In this article today we are going to discuss the differences between lab-created diamonds & moissanite.
So, let’s begin…
What Are Lab-Grown Diamonds? How They Are Made?
Lab-grown diamonds are also referred to as other names like synthetic diamonds, lab-created diamonds, or man-made diamonds, laboratory diamonds, or cultured diamonds. Now, some will say that the lab-grown diamonds are not real diamonds.
Well, the lab-grown diamonds are the man-made diamonds that are chemically, physically, and optically exactly identical to the mined diamonds which are formed inside the earth. The only difference between the lab-grown diamonds and the natural diamonds is just its origin.
Lab-grown diamonds are created from “pure form of carbon” by two different methods CVD (Chemical Vapor Disposition) & HPHT (High-Pressure High-Temperature). These two different methods for the formation of the lab-grown diamonds have equally identified the method of the formation of the natural diamonds.
Then is lab-grown diamonds are same as moissanite? Well, no! They both are completely two different minerals, appearance and hardness ratings.
What is Moissanite? How they are made?
Moissanite is also known as diamond simulants. The appearance of moissanite is similar to the diamonds, it’s neither a natural diamond nor the lab-grown diamonds. They come from the stars and were discovered by a French scientist “Henri Moissan” in 1893.
In late 1904, the scientist came to know that the Moissanite is created from a mineral silicon carbide, as a diamond alternative. This is because the appearance of moissanite is the same as the appearance of a diamond. They are less expensive and 9.25 on the Moh’s Scale whereas the lab-grown diamonds rank 10.
After Henry Moissan discovered moissanite where he spent his to recreate it. Later on, in the 1990s the scientist could thermally create moissanite by silicon carbide crystals. Finally, in the year 1988, Charles & Colvard introduced us to lab-grown moissanite. The process of growing moissanite takes two to three months to create, this process is complicated as well as expensive.
Lab-Created Diamonds vs Moissanite
1: Brilliance
The appearance of right which reflects from the interior of the gemstone refers to brilliance.
Lab-Grown Diamonds
Well, the light of a diamond reflects in three different ways. Where the brilliance of the diamonds refers to the white light which reflects back. The other rainbow colors which refract through the diamond are known as the dispersion. And the third type of diamond light is the scintillation which sparkles the surface of a diamond.
Moissanite
The faceting patterns of moissanite is different than the diamonds, so it exhibits its brilliancy in a different way. The moissanite emits rainbow flashes which highlights the brilliancy, especially in the sunlight. But when you choose moissanite in larger shape, the refractive index will be higher than a diamond.
2: The Sparkle
The difference between a lab-grown diamond and moissanite is its sparkle (Lab-Created Diamonds VS Moissanite).
Lab-Grown Diamond
The refractive index of a lab-grown diamond is 2.42 because of their faceting patterns which return the light remarkably. The brilliance, fire, and scintillation of diamonds give the true sparkle.
Moissanite
The refractive index of moissanite is 2.65 which is higher than the diamonds because of their different faceting patterns. So, the brilliance of moissanite displays a rainbow effect to it. Which makes the sparkle look fake, especially when you are purchasing larger moissanite.
3: The Color
The color difference between a lab-grown diamond and moissanite, (Lab-Created Diamonds VS Moissanite).
Lab-Grown Diamonds
The lab-grown diamonds can occur in every color whether it’s colorless or nearly colorless. The color of a diamond is true and everlasting so the diamonds are known as forever. Which means we are able to pass down the generation due to their everlasting color. You may find a lab-grown in many different colors like brown, yellow, grey, etc.
Moissanite
Basically, the color of moissanite is colorless, but it may change according to the temperature as it exhibits “thermochromism”. Which means that moissanite will change its color if the temperature if above 150⁰F. Sometimes the color changing of moissanite may stay permanent due to heat-sensitive or it may be temporary too.
4: The Size
The size of a diamond and are moissanite are two different
Lab-Grown Diamonds
When you purchase a lab-grown diamond, whether the size of the diamond is smaller or larger. It will sparkle in the same way and can be passed down the generations.
Moissanite
Whereas the moissanite will exhibit a rainbow color which gives a fake appearance to the gem. And will be especially noticeable if you choose to purchase larger moissanite. It would be better if you stick to the smaller size moissanite.
5: Durability & Hardness
To find out the durability & hardness, which means a gem that has the ability to withstand the surface scratching are measured in the Moh’s Scale of Hardness.
Lab-grown Diamonds
The lab-grown diamonds ranked 10 in the Moh’s Scale of Hardness. As the diamonds are hardest and durable so they are scratch-resistance which will be suitable for everyday wear.
Moissanites
The moissanite ranked 9.25 in the Moh’s Scale of Hardness. And this also makes the moissanite as the hardest substance on earth and so this is also suitable for daily wear.
6: Worth
This is the ultimate discussion where we stop. The price! – Lab-Created Diamonds VS Moissanite Price
Lab-Grown Diamonds
Well, the lab-grown diamonds are obviously expensive than the moissanite. As they are compared with the diamonds but less expensive than the natural diamonds. Lab-grown diamonds are available in different shapes and sizes at an affordable price.
Moissanites
On the other hand, the moissanite is cheaper than the lab-grown diamonds. The price of moissanite is basically based on the size of the stone. For example, whether you are purchasing a premium stone or the super premium stone.
7: Sourcing
The sourcing of the lab-grown diamonds and the moissanite is different. Lab-Created Diamonds VS Moissanite origin
Lab-Grown Diamonds
The lab-grown diamonds are created in a highly controlled environment in the lab with a minimal environmental impact. They are conflict-free and eco-friendly diamonds that go beyond the current industry standards.
Moissanite
Moissanites are also created in labs where they do not require mining but it is a good choice who is looking for eco-conscious gemstones.