Moissanite vs. Lab-Grown Diamond: What’s the Real Difference?
Moissanite vs. Lab-Grown Diamond: What’s the Real Difference?
Intro
If you love a brilliant sparkle and an ethical origin, you’ve likely met two modern stars: moissanite and lab-grown diamond. They look similar at first glance, but they’re not the same. Here’s a clear, jargon-free guide to help you decide which gem fits your style, values, and budget.
1) Origin & Ethics
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Moissanite: Silicon carbide grown in a lab to replicate a rare mineral first found in a meteor crater. No mining; low-impact sourcing.
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Lab-grown diamond: Real diamond grown with advanced tech (CVD/HPHT) that replicates natural formation. Identical crystal structure to mined diamonds, without traditional mining.
Both are strong choices for conscious shoppers.
2) Brilliance & Fire (How They Sparkle)
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Moissanite has a higher refractive index, showing vivid “rainbow fire”—great if you love extra sparkle.
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Lab-grown diamond delivers the classic diamond look: sharp white brilliance and scintillation.
3) Hardness & Daily Wear
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Diamonds (including lab-grown): 10 on Mohs—top scratch resistance.
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Moissanite: ~9.25—excellent for everyday jewelry.
4) Color & Clarity
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Both are offered in near-colorless to colorless ranges. Moissanite may show a touch of warmth in larger sizes under certain lighting; diamonds typically maintain a neutral white appearance when graded colorless/near-colorless.
5) Price & Carat Impact
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Moissanite offers the most carat-for-budget value.
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Lab-grown diamond costs more than moissanite but significantly less than mined diamond—great for traditional diamond look without the traditional price.
Which One Is Right for You?
Choose moissanite if you love vibrant fire, high value, and bold look.
Choose lab-grown diamond if you want the classic diamond aesthetic and traditional grading.
Popular Picks
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Explore Moissanite Rings & Necklaces → link to
/collections/moissanite
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Discover Bridal & Engagement → link to Bridal
Ready to find your sparkle? Shop our Moissanite or Lab-Grown collections and enjoy free shipping over $99.