Is Moissanite Real? What It Is, How It Is Made and Whether It Lasts

It is one of the questions we hear most: "Is moissanite real?" The short answer is yes. Moissanite is a real gemstone with its own chemistry and its own sparkle. It is not a diamond, and it is not glass or cubic zirconia. Here is what you should know before you buy.

What is moissanite?

Moissanite is silicon carbide. It was first identified in 1893 by the French chemist Henri Moissan, who found tiny crystals of it in a meteor crater in Arizona. The gem is named after him. Natural moissanite is so rare that it is almost never large enough to cut into jewelry, so the moissanite in fine jewelry today is grown in a lab.

Is lab-grown moissanite "fake"?

No. A lab-grown moissanite has the same chemical makeup and crystal structure as natural moissanite. Growing it in a lab simply makes it available in sizes and quality suitable for rings and earrings. A "fake" or simulant is a material made to imitate something else, like glass or cubic zirconia imitating a diamond. Moissanite is its own gemstone.

How hard and durable is moissanite?

Moissanite scores 9.25 on the Mohs hardness scale. Only diamond, at 10, is harder among popular gemstones. That makes moissanite harder than sapphire and ruby, and very well suited to an engagement ring worn every day. It resists scratches and keeps its polish, and it does not turn cloudy or yellow over time.

Does moissanite sparkle like a diamond?

Moissanite sparkles a little differently. It bends light more strongly than a diamond and throws more colorful flashes, often called "fire," especially in sunlight. A diamond shows a crisper mix of white light and color. Many people love moissanite for that extra color play. For a full side-by-side comparison, read our guide to moissanite vs lab-grown diamond.

Will people be able to tell it is not a diamond?

In everyday settings, most people cannot tell. A jeweler with a dedicated moissanite tester can, and up close in bright sunlight you may notice the rainbow sparkle. It is worth choosing moissanite because you like it, not to pass it off as something else.

How do I care for moissanite?

• Clean it with warm water, a drop of mild dish soap and a soft toothbrush.
• Take rings off for heavy work, gym sessions and cleaning with harsh chemicals, mainly to protect the metal and setting.
• Store pieces separately so harder stones do not scratch softer jewelry.

Why choose moissanite?

• Value: moissanite costs much less than a diamond of the same size, so you can choose a larger stone or a more detailed setting.
• Durability: at 9.25 on the Mohs scale it is made for everyday wear.
• Brilliance: it is one of the most brilliant gemstones available.

Every ring at Reflections Jewelers is offered in moissanite or lab-grown diamond, and you can switch the stone type on any product page to compare prices for the same setting. Browse our engagement rings or send us a message with any questions.