The allure of sparkling gemstones has long captivated the human imagination, with diamonds traditionally standing at the summit of this fascination. However, the emergence of moissanite as a formidable contender has shifted the landscape of choice. In this guide, we delve into the intricacies of moissanite, comparing its sparkle and durability to diamonds, to provide a comprehensive understanding of why moissanite might just be the gemstone that outshines the rest.
Origins and Formation
All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make
the better.
– Ralph Waldo Emerson
Moissanite, first discovered in 1893 by French scientist Henri Moissan, is naturally occurring in meteors. However, due to its rarity on Earth, nearly all moissanite available today is lab-created. This process not only makes moissanite more accessible but also ensures ethical production, free from the implications of mining.
Diamonds, conversely, form under immense pressure and heat deep within the Earth’s mantle. The formation takes millions of years, contributing to their unique status and high value.
Sparkle and Brilliance
When assessing sparkle, brilliance and fire are key factors. Brilliance refers to the white light reflected from the gemstone, while fire describes the dispersion of light into various colours.
Brilliance: Moissanite surpasses diamonds in brilliance due to its higher refractive index. While diamonds have a refractive index of 2.42, moissanite boasts a refractive index of 2.65-2.69. This means moissanite bends light more efficiently, delivering superior sparkle.
Fire: With a dispersion value of 0.104, moissanite exhibits more fire than diamonds, which have a value of 0.044. As a result, moissanite produces more vivid and intense colourful flashes.
These attributes make moissanite an appealing choice for those desiring a gemstone with maximum sparkle and fire.
Durability and Hardness
A gemstone’s durability is crucial for everyday wear, especially in engagement rings and other frequently worn jewellery.
Hardness: The Mohs scale of hardness measures a material’s resistance to scratching. Diamonds, ranking at 10, are the hardest known natural material. Moissanite is slightly less hard, ranking at 9.25, making it highly resistant to scratches.
Toughness: Toughness assesses how well a gemstone resists breaking or chipping. Moissanite is known for its exceptional toughness, outperforming diamonds which, despite their hardness, can be prone to cleavage.
Overall, moissanite’s combination of hardness and toughness makes it remarkably durable and suitable for daily wear.
Clarity and Colour
Clarity and colour are significant factors that influence a gemstone’s visual appeal and value.
Clarity: Both diamonds and moissanite can possess inclusions or flaws. However, high-quality moissanite is typically clearer than diamonds, which often have natural inclusions due to their formation process. Lab-created moissanites frequently exhibit fewer inclusions and higher consistency.
Colour: Moissanite is generally available in near-colourless varieties, with top-quality stones resembling the colourless grade (D, E, F) of diamonds. Unlike diamonds, moissanite can sometimes exhibit a yellow or greenish hue under certain lighting conditions. Advances in technology, however, have significantly reduced these effects.
Environmental and Ethical Considerations
The environmental and ethical ramifications of gemstone mining are increasingly pertinent in today’s conscientious society.
Environmental Impact: Diamond mining can have substantial environmental impacts, including habitat destruction and carbon emissions. Alternatively, lab-created moissanite significantly reduces these impacts. Its production uses fewer resources and results in less environmental damage.
Ethical Issues: The diamond industry has faced scrutiny over conflict diamonds, which fund violence and human rights abuses. Moissanite, being lab-created, is free from these ethical dilemmas, offering peace of mind to conscientious consumers.
Cost Comparison
Price Point: One of the most notable differences between diamonds and moissanite is their cost. Moissanite is considerably more affordable, offering a brilliant alternative at a fraction of the price. For example, a one-carat moissanite can cost up to 90% less than a comparable diamond.
Value Retention: While diamonds are traditionally seen as an investment, their resale value can be unpredictable and often lower than expected. Moissanite, although not typically bought for resale, provides significant value for its cost.
Conclusion: The Enlightened Choice
When contemplating between moissanite and diamonds, the decision ultimately depends on individual preferences and values. Moissanite offers unparalleled brilliance, commendable durability, and significant ethical and financial advantages. For those seeking a stunning, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective gemstone, moissanite emerges as a compelling choice, embodying both modern aesthetics and conscientious consumption.
In the end, whether you gravitate towards the timeless appeal of diamonds or the innovative brilliance of moissanite, being informed about these exquisite gems allows you to make a choice that truly resonates with your style and values.