What Is Moissanite

If you’ve been ring shopping lately, chances are you’ve come across the name moissanite. It’s that dazzling stone that looks remarkably like a diamond—until someone tells you it’s not. And then you start Googling. Well, look no further—we’ve got the full scoop.

Moissanite might just be the best-kept secret in fine jewelry: ethically grown, brilliantly sparkly, and surprisingly budget-friendly. So, what exactly is moissanite, and why are more people choosing it over traditional diamonds?

Let’s dive in.

What Exactly Is Moissanite?

Moissanite (pronounced moy-suh-nite) is a gemstone born from the stars—literally. It was first discovered in 1893 by French chemist Henri Moissan, who found microscopic crystals of it in a meteor crater. At first, he thought it was diamond. (Easy mistake—it is that sparkly.)

Turns out, it wasn’t diamond—it was silicon carbide. While natural moissanite is incredibly rare, today’s moissanite gemstones are created in labs using advanced technology, making them both sustainable and accessible.

Moissanite vs. Diamond: How Do They Compare?

Let’s be honest—moissanite wouldn’t be so buzz-worthy if it didn’t look nearly identical to a diamond. But when you zoom in, there are a few key differences worth knowing:

1. Brilliance (aka Sparkle)

Moissanite is actually more sparkly than a diamond. It has a higher refractive index (2.65 vs. 2.42), which means it bends light more and gives off that rainbow “disco ball” effect. Some people love this extra fire; others prefer the more understated shimmer of a diamond.

2. Hardness

Diamonds are the hardest gemstone on Earth with a 10 on the Mohs scale. Moissanite is a close second at 9.25, making it perfectly durable for everyday wear, especially for engagement rings.

3. Color

Most high-quality moissanite stones are “near-colorless” and look similar to a G or H grade diamond. That said, if you’re ultra-sensitive to color, some moissanite might show a slight warm or yellowish tone in certain lighting.

4. Price

Here’s the kicker—moissanite costs about 10–15% of what a mined diamond does. So yes, you can get a much bigger stone without the heart-stopping price tag.

Is Moissanite Worth Buying?

If sparkle, durability, and ethical sourcing matter to you—absolutely. Here’s why moissanite continues to win over couples and jewelry lovers around the globe:

• It’s conflict-free. Lab-grown moissanite eliminates the environmental and ethical issues tied to mined diamonds.

• It lasts. This is not a “fake diamond” or a placeholder—moissanite is a legitimate gemstone meant to last a lifetime.

• It looks stunning. Most people can’t tell the difference at a glance (and honestly, many prefer the sparkle of moissanite).

Whether you're engagement ring shopping or just eyeing something special for yourself, moissanite gives you beauty, value, and peace of mind all in one sparkly package.

Final Thoughts

Moissanite is no longer just the “alternative” stone—it’s a modern classic in its own right. With its breathtaking brilliance, ethical origins, and budget-friendly price tag, it’s easy to see why moissanite is here to stay.

Whether you're saying "yes" to a ring or simply treating yourself to a little sparkle, moissanite is a choice you can truly feel good about.

Explore our moissanite jewelry →