Lab diamonds are the gold standard of diamond quality. People mind them from deep within the earth. These stones are highly sought after due to their rarity and beauty. Moissanite, on the other hand, is a synthetic gemstone that has become very popular over the last decade. Today, the Moissanite vs diamond debate is an interesting one among jewelry lovers.
While both lab diamonds and moissanite are manmade, they differ greatly in terms of their composition. Lab diamonds form during a chemical reaction between carbon and oxygen at high temperatures and pressures. Moissanite, however, forms through a special manufacturing process that involves heating silicon carbide powder under extremely high pressure.
While both moissanite and lab diamonds are manmade, they are vastly different in terms of their composition and properties. The main difference lies in the way they form in their manufacturing. For example, lab diamonds form through a complex chemical reaction, whereas moissanite forms via a unique manufacturing process.
Choice between Moissanite and Lab Diamond
Moissanite and lab diamonds are synthetic gemstones. However, they differ in terms of quality and physical features that define them. You will need to take note of these differences to know which stone is best for you. Here are notable disparities about these precious stones:
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Size and Shape
One major difference between Moissanite and lab diamond is that manufacturers can cut moissanite into any shape. On the other hand, lab diamonds must be round or square. This means that moissanite can have more intricate designs than lab diamonds. In the end, it gives you more options to choose from than lab diamonds.
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Composition
Lab diamonds contain impurities such as nitrogen, boron, iron, etc., which give it its coloration. On the contrary, moissanite does not contain any impurities. It also contains no trace elements like nitrogen, boron and iron. Therefore, moissanite is clear and colorless. This is important for sparkling products especially with jewelry.
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Durability
Lab diamonds are prone to scratching because of their hardness. In contrast, moissanite is much softer than lab diamonds. As a result, moissanite cannot scratch easily. Many people have interests in a material that will serve them for a long time. Therefore, this is an important consideration to make when choosing between two gemstones.
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Price
The price of lab diamond is higher than that of moissanite. However, this is because it takes longer to produce lab diamonds compared to moissanite. In addition, lab diamond is less durable than moissanite. For that reason, it is better to buy moissanite than lab diamonds on economic grounds. .
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Fire and brilliance
Moissanite sparkles much better than lab diamonds. This is because of the fact that moissanite is made up of silicon dioxide (SiO2) and aluminum oxide (Al2O3). These materials are transparent and translucent. Thus, moissanite shines brightly.
Again, you can easily cut moissanite into great shapes that will refract light off the surface. In the end, they give better brilliance than other stones. Lab diamond is not easy to cut and therefore, it is limited to a certain level of brightness.
Moissanite vs. Lab Diamonds Summary
Moissanite gives you many options to choose. You can use it to create stunning pieces of jewelry. They are available at reasonable prices. The best thing about moissanite is that they do not require any special care. This makes them ideal for everyday wear. Therefore, if you want something that is going to last a lifetime, then moissanite is your best option.
Lab diamonds are expensive. However, they are very hard and durable. They are perfect for industrial applications where durability is required. Since they are more expensive, they are usually reserved for high-end jewelry. Moissanite on the other hand, is affordable and comes in different colors. It has graced the fashion industry for years. This is especially in the making of rings, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, etc.
Even though both moissanite and lab diamond are manmade, moissanite is a better option for those who want something with a natural look and feel. If you are looking for a stone that will stand up to everyday wear and tear, then moissanite is your best bet. Most importantly, moissanite is easy to produce and cut and in the end, costs less than lab diamonds.