Every question about moissanite — from the basic to the technical — answered directly and without marketing language. This is the reference guide for anyone who wants a complete, honest picture of what moissanite is, how it performs, and whether it is the right choice.
The Basics
What is moissanite?
Moissanite is a gemstone made of silicon carbide (SiC). It was first discovered in 1893 in a meteor crater in Arizona by Nobel Prize-winning chemist Henri Moissan. Natural moissanite is extremely rare — almost all moissanite sold in jewelry is lab-created. Full moissanite origin guide.
Is moissanite a diamond?
No. Moissanite is silicon carbide; diamond is pure carbon. They are different materials with different chemical compositions and different crystal structures. Moissanite is not a synthetic diamond, a diamond simulant in the traditional sense, or a diamond alternative — it is a distinct gemstone that happens to be visually similar to diamond and optically superior in several measurable ways.
Can you tell moissanite apart from diamond?
With the naked eye, in everyday conditions: very difficult. Moissanite is colourless (in DEF grades) and produces similar brilliance to diamond. Under specific lighting conditions, moissanite's higher fire (rainbow dispersion) is more visible than diamond's and can be a distinguishing factor to a trained observer. A jeweler with professional equipment (diamond tester using electrical conductivity, or a dedicated moissanite tester) can distinguish them definitively.
Does moissanite pass a diamond tester?
It depends on the type of tester. Thermal conductivity testers — the most common type — will typically read moissanite as diamond because both materials conduct heat similarly. Electrical conductivity testers and multi-function testers (like the Presidium Duo) can distinguish moissanite from diamond. Advanced spectroscopic equipment used by gemological labs identifies moissanite definitively.
Durability and Wear
How hard is moissanite?
Moissanite is 9.25 on the Mohs hardness scale — the second hardest gemstone after diamond (Mohs 10). It is harder than sapphire (Mohs 9), ruby (Mohs 9), and all other common engagement ring stones.
Will moissanite scratch?
Moissanite can only be scratched by diamond (Mohs 10) or other moissanite. In practical daily life, no common surface — countertops, keys, metal, glass — will scratch moissanite. It is a lifetime stone with no durability concerns for daily engagement ring wear.
Will moissanite get cloudy over time?
No. Moissanite does not cloud, fog, or change optical character with age. This is a persistent myth. What makes moissanite appear dull is surface contamination — oil from skin, soap residue, lotion — which is removed by cleaning. A clean moissanite sparkles the same on day one as on year thirty.
Can moissanite chip or break?
Moissanite is hard but not indestructible. Under extreme impact — a sharp blow to the girdle at an angle — any gemstone can chip. Moissanite has no natural cleavage planes (diamond has four), which means it does not have preferred fracture directions and is less susceptible to fracturing than diamond under comparable force. In practical daily wear, chipping is very unlikely.
Appearance
Does moissanite look fake?
No — unless the observer expects all brilliant gemstones to look exactly like a specific grade of diamond and is familiar enough with diamond light patterns to notice the difference. Moissanite's higher fire (rainbow dispersion) is sometimes described as "too sparkly" by those expecting diamond's more subdued optical character. This is not a flaw — it is a measurable optical property of a different material. Most observers, including most jewelers in casual settings, cannot identify moissanite on sight.
Does moissanite look different from different angles?
All faceted gemstones look different from different angles — this is the nature of optics. Moissanite's double refraction (birefringence) means that under a loupe at certain angles, facet edges appear slightly doubled. This is not visible to the naked eye in normal wear.
What colour is moissanite?
Premium moissanite is graded DEF (colourless) on the GIA diamond colour scale and appears white/colourless. Near-colourless (GH) grades show a very faint warmth in certain lighting conditions. Moissanite is also available in a full colour range — pink, blue, green, teal, yellow, and others. Full colour guide.
Buying Guidance
What is moissanite diamond equivalent weight (DEW)?
Moissanite is slightly lighter than diamond for the same physical size. DEW (diamond equivalent weight) expresses the weight of a diamond that would be the same diameter as the moissanite. A 6.5mm moissanite weighs approximately 0.88ct but has a 1.00ct DEW — it is the same size as a 1.00ct diamond. Full size chart.
Which moissanite brand is best?
Charles & Colvard (creators of the Forever One) was the original moissanite manufacturer and set the quality benchmark. Other reputable producers now supply excellent moissanite at competitive prices. The key specifications to verify are colour grade (DEF for colourless), clarity (VS or better), and cut grade (Ideal/Excellent). Brand matters less than verified specs from a reputable retailer with clear return policy. Brand comparison guide.
Does moissanite have resale value?
Moissanite has very limited resale value — typically 10–20% of retail, similar to lab-grown diamonds and significantly less than natural diamonds. Engagement rings are personal purchases, not financial instruments. The cost efficiency of moissanite at purchase is the value proposition, not resale. Full resale value guide.
Is moissanite ethical?
Moissanite requires no mining — it is produced entirely in a laboratory environment with no supply chain involvement in mining regions, artisanal mining communities, or diamond trading hubs. Its environmental footprint is limited to manufacturing energy. It is the lowest-ethical-risk centre stone option for an engagement ring. Full ethics guide.
Care and Maintenance
How do I clean moissanite?
Warm water, dish soap, and a soft-bristled brush. Clean weekly if worn daily. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a lint-free cloth. Ultrasonic cleaners are safe for colourless moissanite in secure settings. Steam cleaning is also safe. Avoid harsh chemicals (bleach, acetone) that may damage the metal setting rather than the stone. Full care guide.
Can I wear moissanite every day?
Yes — moissanite is designed for daily wear. Its hardness (Mohs 9.25) and lack of cleavage planes make it one of the most durable gemstone choices available. Remove for activities with extreme impact risk (contact sports, heavy construction) as a precaution, but normal daily wear including showering, sleeping, and exercise is fine.
Does moissanite need to be professionally serviced?
The ring's metal setting — not the stone — requires periodic maintenance. Prong settings should be checked annually for wear. Bezel and tension settings require less frequent inspection. The moissanite stone itself requires no professional service beyond cleaning.