Moissanite vs Diamond

Two different gemstones

Moissanite and diamond are both brilliant and both durable. They are different minerals with different properties. LOVMS uses lab-created moissanite, and we label it as moissanite every time. Here's an honest look at how the two compare.

At a glance

	Moissanite	Diamond
Composition	Silicon carbide (SiC)	Carbon (C)
Hardness (Mohs)	9.25	10
Refractive index (brilliance)	About 2.65–2.69	About 2.42
Dispersion (fire)	About 0.104: more rainbow flashes	About 0.044: more white sparkle
Origin	Extremely rare in nature. Jewelry moissanite, including ours, is lab-created	Mined or lab-grown
Price	Typically a fraction of the price of a diamond of similar size	Typically much higher, depending on size and grade

What the differences mean

Hardness

Diamond is the hardest known natural material. At 9.25, moissanite is harder than most other gemstones, including sapphire and ruby at 9. That makes it well suited to everyday wear.

Brilliance and fire

Moissanite has a higher refractive index and stronger dispersion than diamond. In practice, it often shows more colorful, rainbow-like flashes, especially in sunlight. Some people love that extra fire, while others prefer the whiter sparkle of a diamond. It's a matter of taste.

Origin

Natural moissanite was first identified in a meteorite crater and is extremely rare, so gem-quality moissanite is created in a lab. Our moissanite is lab-created.

Price

Because it's created in a lab, moissanite costs far less than a diamond of a similar size. That's what lets us set it in sterling silver at everyday prices.

The bottom line

Moissanite isn't a diamond and doesn't try to be. It's a brilliant, hard-wearing gemstone of its own. Choose the stone that fits your style and budget.