What Is Moissanite?
A practical guide to the stone, its sparkle, durability, value and what to know before buying.What is moissanite?
Moissanite is a gemstone made from silicon carbide. Natural moissanite exists, but it is extremely rare. The moissanite used in engagement rings, earrings, bracelets and other jewelry today is grown in a lab.
People often discover moissanite while looking for an alternative to diamond. The two stones can look similar at first glance, but moissanite is its own gemstone.
If you are already comparing finished pieces, you can see examples of moissanite jewelry.
Is moissanite a real gemstone?
Yes. Moissanite is a real gemstone. It is not cubic zirconia, glass or a synthetic diamond. Its chemical composition is silicon carbide, while diamond is carbon.
Natural vs. lab-grown moissanite
Natural moissanite is extremely rare. The moissanite used in modern jewelry is lab-grown.
[IMAGE PLACEHOLDER: close-up comparison of loose round moissanite stones]
Why does moissanite sparkle so much?
Moissanite returns a lot of light and can show strong flashes of color, especially under direct lighting.
Does moissanite look like a diamond?
It can, particularly from normal viewing distance. Our moissanite vs diamond guide explains the differences in appearance, durability and cost. If you are considering a lab-created diamond, see our moissanite vs lab-grown diamond comparison.
[IMAGE PLACEHOLDER: moissanite ring photographed in daylight and indoor lighting]
Does the cut matter?
Very much. Cut affects how light moves through the stone and how large it appears. Our moissanite size chart compares common carat equivalents with millimeter measurements.
How durable is moissanite?
Moissanite is a hard gemstone and is well suited to jewelry that gets regular wear.
Can you wear moissanite every day?
For most people, yes. For more on long-term wear, read how long moissanite lasts.
Does moissanite get cloudy?
Moissanite does not normally become permanently cloudy from everyday wear. Oils, soap and lotion can form a film that reduces sparkle. Read our full guide to moissanite cloudiness, cleaning and prevention.
[IMAGE PLACEHOLDER: clean vs. residue-covered moissanite close-up]
Moissanite color and clarity
Moissanite is sold in different color and clarity ranges. Many buyers shopping for a bright white look choose near-colorless or colorless stones.
Can moissanite pass a diamond tester?
Many common thermal diamond testers can react to moissanite because it conducts heat well. Our moissanite diamond tester guide explains why and what a tester can actually tell you.
Some jewelers sell moissanite jewelry with documentation. For example, qualifying pieces from MOISS & ICE include GRA documentation.
Why is moissanite less expensive than diamond?
A larger moissanite center stone can cost far less than a natural diamond with a similar face-up size. That can leave more of your budget for the setting, metal or wedding band.
Is moissanite good for an engagement ring?
Yes, if you like its appearance. It offers the durability needed for regular wear and gives couples more flexibility with stone size and ring design.
You can compare finished moissanite rings and oval engagement ring designs.
[IMAGE PLACEHOLDER: three moissanite engagement ring styles on a hand]
Moissanite is used for more than engagement rings
Moissanite also works well in tennis jewelry and earrings. Compare moissanite bracelets, moissanite necklaces and moissanite earrings.
[IMAGE PLACEHOLDER: moissanite tennis bracelet, stud earrings and necklace]
What should you check before buying moissanite?
Check the stone
- Look at cut and symmetry.
- Check the stated color and clarity.
- Compare dimensions in millimeters, not only carat-equivalent labels.
Check the setting and seller
- Make sure the setting protects the stone.
- Confirm the metal.
- Read return, warranty and shipping terms.
Frequently asked questions about moissanite
Is moissanite fake diamond?
No. Moissanite is a separate gemstone made from silicon carbide.
Is moissanite lab-grown?
The moissanite used in jewelry today is lab-grown.
Does moissanite scratch easily?
No. Moissanite is hard and resists scratching well.
Will moissanite lose its sparkle?
Dirt and oils can make it look dull, but cleaning usually restores its sparkle.
Is moissanite worth buying?
It can be a good choice if you want strong sparkle, everyday durability and more visible size for your budget.
The bottom line
Moissanite is a durable gemstone with strong sparkle and a much lower price than a similar-size natural diamond. Compare actual cuts, dimensions and settings before choosing.