What is Moissanite? A Brilliant Diamond Alternative with a Fascinating History

Moissanite: A Dazzling Alternative to Diamond

Moissanite is a gemstone that closely resembles a diamond but is made of silicon carbide. It is difficult to distinguish between the two with the naked eye due to its remarkable visual similarity. Moissanite is commonly used as a diamond alternative because of its comparable brilliance and durability. A high-quality moissanite is designed to last a lifetime without losing its appearance or sustaining damage.

                   

Rarity and Formation

Naturally occurring moissanite is extremely rare, which makes it difficult to find in nature. For this reason, most moissanite gemstones are created in controlled laboratory environments. The process of growing a moissanite stone in a lab typically takes 2–3 months under suitable conditions.

Brilliance and Durability

Thanks to its high hardness and impressive refractive index, moissanite maintains its brilliance and sparkle over time, similar to a diamond. It has outstanding reflective properties and an extremely hard surface. There’s a common belief that moissanite may lose its shine over time, but the truth is that a good-quality moissanite will retain its luster without any wear and tear, much like a natural diamond.

To the naked eye, moissanite and diamonds are almost indistinguishable. However, one subtle difference lies in their fire and brilliance—moissanite tends to display more of both. While this distinction isn’t always noticeable in smaller stones, it becomes more apparent in stones larger than 5mm. Moissanite also emits a strong rainbow-like reflection when light hits its surface, earning it the playful nickname “disco ball.”


                   

Physical and Visual Differences

One of the key differences between a diamond and moissanite is weight. Moissanite is approximately 15% lighter than a diamond of the same size. As a result, moissanite is priced based on its length and width in millimeters, rather than in carats. It is sold according to its size and color, whereas diamonds are graded using the 4Cs (cut, color, clarity, and carat) along with other quality factors.

While diamonds are among the hardest substances on earth, moissanite comes very close. It also has a higher refractive index (the ability to bend light), which contributes to its enhanced fire—producing more vivid rainbow reflections when compared to a diamond.

Pricing

Despite being rarer in its natural form—originally discovered in meteorites—moissanite is less expensive than diamonds. Its chemical composition and lab-grown production make it a more affordable yet stunning alternative. Ultimately, choosing between a diamond and moissanite is a matter of personal preference and budget.


                     

A Glimpse into History

Moissanite’s story began in 1893 when French chemist Henri Moissan discovered the mineral while examining rock samples from a meteor crater in Arizona. Initially mistaken for diamonds, further research revealed that the crystals were composed of silicon carbide. From the beginning, moissanite has symbolized steadfastness and commitment, owing to its durability.

In honor of its discoverer, the gem was named "moissanite." It made its debut in the jewelry market in 1998, thanks to Charles & Colvard, who launched collections like Forever Classic, Forever Brilliant, and Forever One. When the company’s patents expired in most countries in 2015, it opened up opportunities for other manufacturers worldwide. Since then, moissanite has gained widespread recognition and appeal.

Today, Darby Diamond offers a stunning range of moissanite jewelry, combining timeless elegance with modern brilliance.