JMC632 Gemology

Diamond versus Moissanite

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Content

Page

1. Introduction 3-5

2.The Sparkle 6

3. Durability 7

4. Color 8

5. Price 9

6. An Ethical Alternative 10

7. Are They Fake Diamonds? 11

8. The Different Between Diamond And Moissanite 12

9. Conclusion 13

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1. Introduction

As we know diamond is precious stone that love by almost all girl in the world. But now,

there has been a steady emergence of the stone Moissanite into the world of jewelry. Synthetic

moissanite is marketed as an affordable diamond simulant. Moissanite is a naturally occurring

silicon carbide discovered by chemist Dr. Henri Moissan in 1893.

Moissan was recovering rock samples from a crater in Arizona when he made the

discovery; he initially believed the crystals to be diamonds, however on closer examination he

saw differences in the crystals composition. The naturally occurring moissanite is extremely

rare, so the version we see today is a lab-grown, colorless crystal that resembles a diamond

when cut and polished.

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Diamonds

Diamonds are naturally occurring gems that are composed of carbon atoms arranged in a

particular structure. They are extremely hard and until recently were regarded as the world’s

hardest natural material with a rating of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale. Although diamonds

are extremely expensive their price is very much governed by what’s known as the four Cs,

carat, cut, colour, and clarity. It’s very rare to find a diamond that doesn’t contain flaws which

is why such diamonds demand a high price the same can be said for colour. Most diamonds

along with having small amounts of defects or impurities will have a tinge of yellow or brown

which is why truly colourless diamonds are so rare.

Diamonds have a high refractive index of 2.417 and a dispersion of 0.044 which means

that when light passes from air to a diamond which has a different density to air the speed of

light slows down and bends the light due to the angle of refraction. The different colours that

make up a white light slow at different speeds and are split up or separate once they enter the

diamond. This separation of the colour spectrum is called dispersion and as light leaves the

diamond material and enters the air the angle of refraction again bends and the dispersion,

which is the separation of white light into different colours (which the light already contains)

increases and gives us a colour spectrum. A Diamond is also an electrical insulator but the best

natural thermal conductor known being 4/5 times more conductive than copper. Diamonds

have a specific gravity of between 3.5 – 3.53 which is the density of the material in comparison

to the same amount of water and is useful for gem identification by gem buyers and

gemologists.

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Moissanite

Moissanite is another diamond substitute which is a rare mineral that can be found naturally

in small quantities although jewellery Moissanite is artificially made. It’s made from Silicon

Carbide which means it’s able to withstand high temperatures and is very hard with a Mohs

scale reading of 9.25. There is currently only one manufacturer of Moissanite gemstones,

Charles & Colvard who have a patent that will expire in 2015. Once the patent expires it will

likely become more readily available at a cheaper price when competitors can also manufacture

the gemstone. Moissanite is slightly lighter than a diamond with a gravity of 3.21 which isn’t

that noticeable but it has a refraction index of 2.65-2.69 and a dispersion of 0.104. This means

that Moissanite is noticeably much sparklier and displays more prismatic fire than a diamond

which is noticeable even to an untrained observer. Moissanite does have inclusions like a

diamond and it may also have a greenish tinge to its colour.

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2. The Sparkle

This refraction is what causes the sparkle that is desired in diamond jewelry. It is also the

reason that finding a beautifully cut diamond is essential; a poorly cut diamond suffers light

leakage and simply cannot deliver the brilliance that we expect to see from a diamond.

A moissanite does not have the same refractive properties as a diamond, which is evident

upon close inspection. While they do still give off brilliance, it is not as intense as that seen in

a diamond. Moissanite is a doubly refractive material which cause all the facet junctions to

appear twice. This gives the stone a slightly fuzzy look compared to a diamond’s crisp

scintillation.

One of the main visual difference between diamonds and Moissanite is the fire. Fire is the

reflection of colored light. Fire is desired in a diamond, however what we primarily see when

looking under a spotlight for example, is sparkling, white brilliance that is enhanced by just

the right amount of fire.

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3. Durability

The hardness of minerals, materials, and substances is measured on the Mohs scale. It is

based on how effectively one substance can visibly scratch another and is measured on a scale

of 1-10 (1 being the softest and 10 being the hardest).

The Mohs scale is used in various industries but is particularly useful when it comes to

gemstone jewelry.

It is a well-known fact that we choose diamonds not only for their beauty but for their

durability; scoring a 10 on the Mohs scale, a diamond is a hardest naturally occurring substance

ever to be discovered.

Moissanite scores between a 9 – 9.5 on the Mohs scale. This places it in the same bracket

as a corundum (such as a ruby or sapphire). So, what does this mean?

At 9-9.5 moissanite is a great choice for jewelry, however it will be more prone to

scratching and chipping than a diamond. The thing to remember about the Mohs scale is that

it is a ‘relative’ scale. While materials like moissanite and corundum are near the top of the 1-

10 scale, diamond is many times harder. Safer settings are essential, and it would be more

appropriate for pendants, earrings and occasion jewelry rather than an everyday piece of

jewelry such as an engagement ring.

It is true that a well set moissanite is quite durable if taken care of, however it does not

come with the same level of promise as diamond.

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 4. Color

Like brilliance, color is another factor which visually distinguishes moissanites from

diamonds. The GIA will certify diamonds and give them a color grading:

GIA Color Scale

Moissanites are not categorized by color which poses a problem when selecting them for

your jewelry. However, they normally do not possess the icy whiteness of colorless diamonds.

Some moissanite sellers now try to differentiate between colors of their stones, offering

‘whiter’ looking stones for a higher price, however as there is no governing body or strict

grading for the color of a moissanite, nothing can be guaranteed.

In general a moissanite appears slightly tinted, at about a K color grade on the GIA scale.

Under certain lights, a yellowish-green tint can be seen in a moissanite stone.

If you are looking for the white sparkle of a D-I graded diamond, you will likely be

disappointed in a moissanite.

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5. Price

Comparing the prices of moissanite to diamonds may seem simple. Moissanites are much

cheaper than diamonds. Look on any website or in any jewelry store and that is what you will

see. You will also see that they are not as cheap as other diamond imitations such as CZ (cubic

zirconia).

However, it is essential that buyers understand that moissanites are not diamonds. They

only resemble diamonds in appearance. They have a slightly different look, they perform

differently, they are mass produced in a lab, and therefore it is no surprise that they do not have

the same value as diamonds.

Moissanites have a smaller specific gravity than diamonds, therefore you cannot make a

comparison based on weight. The closest way to compare prices is by using size (mm). For

example, the average price for a 1.00ct diamond is $4,000 – the closest size would be a 6.5mm

moissanite that would cost around $850.

Diamonds are naturally rare and prices are based on the 4 C’s, a set of criteria that cannot

be applied to moissanite. The price of a moissanite changes only based on the size of the stone

and is largely the result of controlled distribution through the company that holds the patent on

producing it.

The money you spend on a diamond is based on quality which is the result of the stringent

assessment by expert gemologists, dedicated to delivering the most accurate results. This also

allows you to work within your budget, balancing and adjusting the 4 C’s until you find the

perfect diamond.

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6. An Ethical Alternative

Both moissanites and synthetic diamonds are cited by some sellers as ‘ethical alternatives’

to traditionally mined diamonds. The fear of the blood diamond remains an issue for many

first-time diamond buyers, but it is important to be armed with the facts before considering

diamond alternatives.

Since 2002, the Kimberley Process has been in place; established by the United Nations, it

offers assurance to buyers on the ethical origins of their diamond. Conflict diamonds now

constitute less than 0.1% of the world’s diamond production, and an awareness of the

Kimberley Process allows buyers access to this integral information.

In truth, artisanal diamond mining is essential to the livelihood of millions of very poor

people across the globe. The Diamond Development Initiative works to support the miners and

protect those working within the natural diamond mining industry, moving towards safety and

new opportunities in health care and education.

In short, natural diamond mining contributes significantly to the betterment of millions of

people on the planet, many of whom have no other means to make a living. Branding

moissanites and other synthetics as ‘ethical alternatives’ only serves to unfairly demonize the

natural diamond mining industry. While sales of synthetics will help a few entrepreneurs,

investors and high tech businesses, natural diamond mining supports community development

all over the world.

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7. Are They Fake Diamonds?

The answer to this is no. Moissanites have different chemical, physical and optical

properties. They are a distinctly different material although they do contain carbon. They are

best referred to as imitation diamonds, or simulants.

There have been advances in the world of synthetic diamonds; previous limitations that

inhibited the cost and speed at which synthetic diamonds could be produced are beginning to

be overcome. The successful production of synthetic diamonds (which are also much be

cheaper than a natural diamond) will certainly impact the use of moissanite in fine jewelry.

Unlike a moissanite, a synthetic diamond would display the same physical properties as a

natural diamond but has characteristics that can be identified by gem labs. It is important to

note that the production of synthetic rubies and sapphires has been widely available since the

1900’s, however this has had little to no impact on the purchase of the naturally mined

gemstones. It is therefore reasonable to assume that the emergence of synthetic diamonds will

similarly have little impact on the market for mined diamonds.

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 8. The Different Between Diamond And Moissanite

Diamond Moissanite

Structure

Made of repeating units of carbon atom under Created in labs from silicon carbride

intense heat and pressure. Brought to surface

Through geological activity

Brilliance

Has a Refractive Index of 2.42. Sparkle due to Higher Refractive Index of 2.65 leading to

brilliance, dispersion and scintillation distinct rainbow effect. Faceting pattern

causes higher pattern cause higher brilliance.

Value

High quality diamonds are expensive. Can Can cost up to 90% less than other diamond

cost upwards of $4000 per carat. simulants, about $390 per carat.

Durability

The hardest gemstone with 10 Mohs scale. 9.25 Mohs scale. More heat resistant than

Scratch resistant and durable. diamonds.

Origin

Naturally occurring and lab-created. Extremely rare in nature. All moissanite

found on market is lab-created.

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9. Conclusion

If we are looking for a stunning diamond to complete the engagement ring of our dreams,

then, look for a diamond. If you are looking for a durable gemstone but haven’t quite decided

what you want yet, then, consider moissanite or another synthetic.

If it is a diamond that you are looking for, but have concerns about the price point, rest

assured that at Whiteflash, we are dedicated to finding the right size and quality for every

budget. A huge advantage of diamond jewelry is the flexibility that it brings, ensuring everyone

can have a beautiful natural diamond, regardless of their price range.

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