What are the differences between Moissanite, cubic zirconia, and a diamond?
Overview
Moissanite is an affordable and durable alternative to diamonds that's made from silicon carbide.
A diamond is a clear, colorless, and exceptionally hard gemstone composed of carbon, commonly used in both jewelry and industrial applications.
Cubic zirconia is a simulated, man-made crystal frequently used as a cost-effective alternative to diamonds.
Rarity
Lab-created moissanite is widely available.
Diamonds are very rare because the cost of mining is very high, because several tons of soil need to be excavated to get a diamond carat.
Cubic zirconia is a man-made material and is not considered rare.
Composition
Moissanite consists of silicon and carbon, with the chemical formula SiC.
A diamond is a solid form of carbon with atoms organized in a crystal structure known as diamond cubic.
Cubic Zirconia is made of zirconium dioxide and has a crystal structure with cubic symmetry with a chemical formula ZrO 2.
Production
The majority of moissanite used in jewelry is lab-created, yet it possesses the same chemical and visual characteristics as natural moissanite.
A diamond forms deep within the Earth's mantle under extreme heat and pressure, crystallizing from carbon. Millions of years ago, volcanic eruptions brought them to the surface, embedding them in crystallized host rocks.
Cubic zirconia is produced by melting zirconium oxide powder with stabilizers such as calcium and magnesium in a laboratory environment.
When choosing a gemstone that combines beauty, longevity, and lasting love, diamonds whether a natural diamond or lab diamond offer unparalleled benefits that moissanite simply can't match. While moissanite may sparkle brilliantly, its differences in composition set it apart from diamonds in both value and significance. A diamond, is crafted from pure carbon under intense pressure and heat, giving it a timeless beauty and enduring durability. Moreover, A lab diamond offers the same exceptional qualities as natural diamonds, but with a more sustainable and affordable option. Thus, the lasting value of a diamond, whether natural or lab-created, makes it a great symbol of love and commitment. That is why with a diamond, you’re choosing a gemstone that has withstood the test of time, holds deep-rooted value in society, and carries with it a legacy, something that moissanite, despite its beauty, simply cannot offer.
“A diamond is forever”. Diamond ’s market and collection value are favored by many, and it is the first gem people will think of when getting engaged or married. But its high price would still scare most people away. However, there are several alternatives similar to diamonds on the market, and we can have something that looks like diamonds without paying a lot.
These diamond substitutes look very similar to diamonds, but they are different in other aspects, sometimes in a bad way. The most popular diamond substitutes today are artificially manufactured cubic zirconia (also known as Soviet diamond, high-carbon diamond, CZ) and laboratory-grown moissanite. Here we will go in depth to analyze the differences between the three in terms of their origin, rarity, shininess, hardness, color, clarity, value preservation and price:
Moissanite and high-carbon diamonds have both dazzled with their brilliant sparkle until around 2020, when more advanced technology brought about lab diamonds (also known as cultivated diamonds) into mainstream popularity. A lab diamond replicates the appearance and composition of a natural diamond completely, yet their price is only a fraction of natural diamonds. Thus, successfully penetrating the vast diamond jewelry market and gradually overshadowing the former two.
Looking ahead, cultivated diamonds with higher quality are expected to potentially fully replace moissanite and high-carbon diamonds. In hindsight, moissanite and high-carbon diamonds may likely be seen as transitional products between natural diamonds and lab grown diamonds.
If you would like to learn more about lab grown diamonds, please visit our diamond page for more information.
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