What is moissanite?
By Jared James · Last updated 21 May 2026
Definition
Moissanite is a gemstone made of silicon carbide, originally discovered in 1893 by Henri Moissan in a meteorite crater in Arizona. Natural moissanite is extraordinarily rare, so virtually all moissanite in jewellery today is grown in a laboratory, producing a stone that is chemically and optically real, just not mined. It is near-colourless, rates 9.25 on the Mohs hardness scale so it is suitable for daily wear, and produces more fire (rainbow sparkle) than diamond. It is widely chosen as a diamond alternative for engagement rings.
Frequently asked questions
- Is moissanite the same as a diamond?
- Moissanite and diamond are different materials: diamond is pure carbon and moissanite is silicon carbide. They look similar at a glance but moissanite produces more rainbow fire under light and can be distinguished from diamond with a gemological tester. Both are genuinely hard and durable gemstones.
- Does moissanite look fake?
- High-quality moissanite does not look fake; it looks like a brilliant, near-colourless gemstone. To an untrained eye it is indistinguishable from diamond in everyday settings. The slightly more intense fire is only obvious when compared side by side under strong light.
- Why do people choose moissanite over diamond?
- Cost is the main reason: a moissanite of the same size typically costs a fraction of an equivalent diamond. Some people also prefer it for ethical reasons, as lab-grown moissanite avoids mining entirely, and others simply love the extra brilliance.
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