Natural Diamonds, Lab-Grown Diamonds, and Moissanite: Everything You Need to Know
| CHARACTERISTIC | MOISSANITE | LAB-GROWN DIAMONDS | NATURAL DIAMONDS |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Index of Refraction: |
2.65 Above |
2.42 |
2.42 |
|
Dispersion: |
0.104 |
0.044 |
0.044 |
|
Density: |
3.2 |
3.52 |
3.52 |
|
Hardness: |
9.25 |
10 |
10 |
|
Sourcing: |
Made in a laboratory |
Made in a laboratory |
Mined |
|
Environmental Friendliness: |
High |
High |
Low |
|
Glitter fades: |
No |
No |
No |
|
Aesthetics: |
More sparkle and fire |
Same as natural diamond |
Beautiful and brilliant |
|
Affordability: |
Most affordable |
More affordable |
Least affordable |
|
Chemical Composition: |
Silicon carbide (SiC) |
Pure carbon |
Pure carbon |
What are the key differences between natural diamonds, lab-grown diamonds, and moissanite?
Natural diamonds and lab-grown diamonds are very similar in terms of their chemical composition, hardness, and refractive index. The main difference is that natural diamonds are formed in the Earth’s crust, while lab-grown diamonds are created in a laboratory.
Moissanite is a different type of gemstone altogether. It is formed from silicon carbide, which is naturally occurring but can also be created in a laboratory. Moissanite, while slightly less hard than diamonds, has a higher refractive index, making it more sparkly.
Moissanite is also the most affordable of the three gemstones, followed by lab-grown diamonds and natural diamonds.
Ultimately, the best gemstone for you will depend on your personal preferences and budget. If you are looking for the most durable and sparkling gemstone, then a lab-grown diamond or natural diamond is a good choice. If you are on a tighter budget, then moissanite is a good option.
