The short answer? No, moissanite is definitely not a real diamond. But here's the thing, it's not trying to be one. It's its own incredible gemstone with a story that's honestly way cooler than most people realise.
The Quick Science Lesson
Let's get the technical stuff out of the way first, because understanding what moissanite actually is will help you appreciate why it's special:
Diamond: Pure carbon (C), just carbon atoms arranged in a cubic crystal structure Moissanite: Silicon carbide (SiC), silicon and carbon atoms in a 1:1 ratio, arranged in a hexagonal crystal structure
Completely different materials. Different chemistry, different structure, different properties. Think of it like comparing steel to aluminium, both are metals, both can be shiny, but they're fundamentally different materials.
The Meteorite Discovery Story
Here's where it gets interesting. In 1893, a French scientist named Henri Moissan was examining rock samples from what's now called Meteor Crater in Arizona. He found these brilliant crystals and initially thought he'd discovered diamonds. Can you imagine his excitement?
It took him until 1904 to figure out he'd actually found something completely different, silicon carbide crystals that had travelled through space in a meteorite. How amazing is that? Moissanite literally comes from the stars.
The mineral was eventually named "moissanite" in his honour, and Moissan went on to win a Nobel Prize for his work.
Why They Look So Similar (But Aren't)
The reason people confuse moissanite with diamonds isn't just because they're both sparkly. They actually share some key properties:
Hardness: Diamond is 10 on the Mohs scale, moissanite is 9.25. That makes moissanite the second hardest gemstone after diamond, harder than sapphire, ruby, or any other natural gemstone.
Brilliance: Both materials reflect light exceptionally well, which is why they both sparkle so much.
Thermal conductivity: Both diamond and moissanite conduct heat very well, which is why basic diamond testers often can't tell them apart.
But here's where it gets interesting...
The Key Differences You Can Actually See
The Rainbow Fire Effect
Moissanite has a higher refractive index (2.65-2.69) compared to diamond (2.42), which means it bends light more dramatically. The result? More rainbow flashes.
Moissanite's dispersion rate is 0.104 compared to diamond's 0.044, which creates that "disco ball" effect some people love and others find too flashy.
The Double Vision Thing
Here's something most people don't know: moissanite exhibits strong double refraction (0.313), while diamond shows no birefringence. What this means is that when a jeweller looks at moissanite under magnification, they can see a "doubling" of the facet edges. Diamonds never do this.
The Electrical Test
Diamonds are electrical insulators, while moissanite is an electrical conductor. This is why modern gem testers can easily tell them apart, they test for both heat and electrical conductivity.
Natural vs Lab-Created: The Reality
Here's something that might surprise you: until the 1950s, no other source for moissanite other than meteorites had been found. Even today, natural moissanite is incredibly rare.
All applications of silicon carbide today use synthetic material, as the natural material is very scarce. So when you buy moissanite jewellery, you're getting lab-created stones, but that's not a bad thing. It means consistent quality, ethical sourcing, and none of the environmental impact of mining.
Why This Matters for Your Decision
Understanding that moissanite isn't a "fake diamond" changes everything. It's not trying to be diamond, it's being the best version of itself. And in some ways, it actually outperforms diamond:
- More fire: That rainbow sparkle effect means more light show
- Nearly as hard: At 9.25 hardness, it's built for daily wear
- Ethical by design: No mining, no conflict concerns
- Consistent quality: Lab-created means predictable results
The "Passing Diamond Tests"
You've probably heard that moissanite "passes diamond tests." This is partially true but misleading. Traditional diamond testers that rely solely on thermal conductivity may incorrectly identify moissanite as diamond because both materials conduct heat similarly.
But here's the thing: modern dual-testing devices that measure both thermal and electrical conductivity can accurately distinguish between the two. Any reputable jeweller has these newer testers.
The Bottom Line on Identification
If you're curious whether your stone is moissanite or diamond, a trained professional can tell immediately by:
- Looking for double refraction under magnification
- Using an electrical conductivity tester
- Observing the type of light dispersion
But honestly? The average person looking at your jewellery isn't going to know the difference. Moissanite exhibits high brilliance and fire, meaning it reflects light exceptionally well and produces colourful sparkle.
What This Means for You
If you're considering moissanite, don't think of it as "almost a diamond" or "fake diamond." Think of it as what it actually is: a space-age material that's incredibly hard, brilliantly sparkly, and has its own unique properties.
The question isn't whether moissanite is a "real diamond", it's whether moissanite is the right stone for you. And that depends on what you value:
Choose moissanite if:
- You love extra sparkle and fire
- Ethical sourcing matters to you
- You want exceptional durability at a lower price
- You appreciate the space origin story
Choose diamond if:
- You want the traditional prestige
- You prefer pure white light over rainbow fire
- Family heirloom significance matters
- You want the highest possible hardness
The Honest Truth
Moissanite isn't a diamond, and it's not trying to be. It's silicon carbide, a material that's literally from outer space, nearly as hard as diamond, and often more brilliant. That's pretty incredible on its own.
The real question isn't whether it's a "real diamond", it's whether you love what it actually is. And if you do, then you're getting something pretty special.
Want to see what quality D VVS1 moissanite actually looks like? Check out our earring collection, bracelet collection, and necklace collection to experience what makes moissanite special.