Lab-grown diamonds and moissanite are both popular alternatives to natural diamonds, especially for engagement rings and fine jewelry. They look similar at first glance, but they are made from different materials and have different qualities.
What is the main difference between lab-grown diamond and moissanite? Lab-grown diamonds are made of pure carbon, whereas moissanite is made from silicon carbide.
Key Areas Covered
1. What is a Lab-Grown Diamond
– Definition, Features, Design
2. What is a Moissanite
– Definition, Features, Design
3. Similarities Between Lab-Grown Diamond and Moissanite
– Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Lab-Grown Diamond and Moissanite
– Comparison of Key Differences
5. FAQ: Lab-Grown Diamond and Moissanite
– Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
Key Terms
Lab-Grown Diamond, Moissanite, Diamond
What is a Lab-Grown Diamond
Lab-grown diamonds, as their name suggests, are diamonds that are artificially created in laboratories. However, they are not fake diamonds. Lab-grown diamonds are identical to diamonds found in nature – chemically, physically, and optically. They have the same brilliance, hardness, and fire. Although natural diamonds take billions of years to form in the Earth’s mantle, lab diamonds can be created in weeks. You can’t tell the difference between a lab-grown diamond and a real diamond with the naked eye. Only experts can identify the subtle differences.
Lab-grown diamonds start as small carbon seeds from pre-existing diamonds. There are two main techniques used to create lab diamonds: HPHT (High Pressure High Temperature) and CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition). Both these methods simulate the natural diamond-forming process.
The HPHT method mimics the natural conditions under which diamonds form inside the Earth’s mantle. In this method, a diamond seed in a chamber is subjected to intense heat (over 2,000 degrees Celsius) and pressure (1.5 million pounds per square inch). Then, the carbon atoms in the chamber form bonds with the seed and crystallize into a diamond.
In the CVD method, a thin diamond seed is placed inside a vacuum chamber filled with gases rich in carbon, typically methane and hydrogen. These gases are then heated, causing the carbon to separate and gradually form layers on the seed. Over time, the carbon builds up to create a diamond. In some cases, the diamonds are further treated with heat and pressure after they are formed to improve their quality.
What is a Moissanite
Moissanite is a naturally occurring gemstone made from silicon carbide. They were discovered by a scientist named Henri Moissan in the late 1800s when studying rock samples from a meteor crater in Canyon Diablo, Arizona. Thus, they were named moissanite. At first, Moissan assumed that he had discovered diamonds, but after close examination, he realized that these crystals did not have the same composition as diamonds and were made from silicon carbide. By this time, scientists had already discovered how to make silicon carbide in laboratories. Natural moissanites are extremely rare. Therefore, most moissanites you find in the market today are artificially made. They are often used as cheap substitutes for diamonds and are used in jewelry and engagement rings.
However, moissanite is different from diamonds. They have a lower rating on the Mohs Scale of Hardness than diamonds. Their Mohs rating is 9.25, while diamond has a 10 rating. Moissanite can come in various colors, including white, yellow, blue, pink, and red. However, some clear or white moissanite may have a slight grey or green tint, especially in bright light. Furthermore, synthetic moissanites have more brilliance than diamonds. Their different faceted patterns create a rainbow-like effect. In addition, moissanites are more heat-resistant than diamonds.
Similarities Between Lab-Grown Diamond and Moissanite
- Both are created in laboratories using advanced technology.
- They are ethical and eco-friendly alternatives to mined diamonds.
- Both are very durable and suitable for daily wear.
Difference Between Lab-Grown Diamond and Moissanite
Definition
- Lab-grown diamond is a real diamond made in a lab with the same look and properties as a natural diamond, whereas moissanite is a man-made gemstone that looks like a diamond but is made from silicon carbide.
Composition
- Lab-grown diamonds are made of carbon and have the exact same chemical structure as natural diamonds, whereas moissanite is made from silicon carbide.
Hardness & Durability
- Lab-grown diamonds are very hard and strong and score 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, while moissanite is a little less hard and has a 9.25 rating.
Price
- Lab-grown diamonds are more affordable than natural diamonds but still more expensive than moissanite.
Refractive Index
- Lab-grown diamonds have a refractive index of 2.42, just like natural diamonds. This gives them a classic, white sparkle. Moissanite, on the other hand, has a higher refractive index of 2.65 to 2.69. This makes them sparkle more, often with rainbow flashes (called “fire.”)
FAQ: Lab-Grown Diamond and Moissanite
1. Which is better, lab grown or moissanite?
Lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds and offer the same look and durability as natural ones. Moissanite is more affordable and extra sparkly, though not a diamond.
2. Is moissanite a fake diamond?
Moissanite is not a real diamond, but it looks very similar. It’s a different gemstone made in a lab, so some people call it a “fake” diamond.
3. Which is better, moissanite or diamond?
The choice between moissanite and diamond depends on your personal preference. Diamonds are expensive, harder, and have traditional value. Moissanite is more affordable, sparkles even more than diamonds, and is very durable.
4. Will moissanite pass a diamond test?
Most moissanite stones will pass a traditional diamond tester because they have high thermal conductivity, similar to diamonds. However, small differences in size or quality can sometimes affect the results.
5. Why is my lab diamond testing as moissanite?
The reason your lab-grown diamond is testing as moissanite is likely due to boron, an impurity often found in lab diamonds but rare in natural ones. Boron changes the diamond’s properties, especially its electrical conductivity. This can confuse some testers and make them read the stone as moissanite.
Reference:
1. “What are Lab Grown Diamonds?” The Diamond Store.
2. “Moissanite.” Wikipedia. Wikipedia Foundation.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Moissanite (synthetic silicon carbide) 5” By James St. John – (CC BY 2.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “WD Lab Grown Diamonds” By BrittanyRL – Own work (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia
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