What is Moissanite?

Moissanite is divided into artificial moissanite and natural moissanite. Most of the moissanite seen on the market is artificial moissanite. Natural moissanite was first discovered by French chemist Henri Moissan in a meteorite crater in 1893, but it is extremely rare in nature.The main component of laboratory-synthesized moissanite is silicon carbide (SiC), which is very similar to the appearance of diamonds. The physical properties of the two are also very similar, but the price is lower, so it is often used as a substitute for diamonds.

Features:

  • Hardness: Moissanite has a hardness of 9.25 (Mohs hardness), second only to diamond (10), and is highly wear-resistant.
  • Refractive index: The refractive index (2.65-2.69) is higher than that of diamond (2.42), and the fire (dispersion) is more obvious, showing a stronger “rainbow flash” under the light.
  • Fire: The dispersion value of moissanite is 2.4 times that of diamond, and the visual effect is more “flashing”, but it may not appear natural enough.
  • Cut: Moissanite edges may be sharper due to high hardness, while diamonds are prone to soft wear.

Does Moissanite Pass Diamond Tester?

In more than 90% of cases, a regular thermal conductivity diamond test pen will light up (= pass) moissanite because its thermal conductivity is almost the same as diamond. Moissanite thermal conductivity (≈200–250W·m⁻¹·K⁻¹) is in the same “ultra-high thermal conductivity” level as diamond (≈900–2300W·m⁻¹·K⁻¹). Traditional pens only have a single threshold of “higher than X=W/m⁻¹ is considered diamond” → both will be triggered.

Why can moissanite fool traditional diamond pens?

The probe of a traditional test pen heats the gemstone and then measures the heat dissipation rate; the threshold is set at “high thermal conductivity = diamond”. Moissanite happens to hit this threshold range, so it will “falsely report” diamond.

Moissanite vs Diamond

Attribute Moissanite Diamond
Hardness (Mohs) 9.25 — extremely durable 10 — hardest known gem
Brilliance (Refractive Index) 2.65 – 2.69 ▶ “extra sparkle” 2.42 ▶ classic diamond shine
Fire (Dispersion) 0.104 ▶ strong rainbow flashes 0.044 ▶ subtle color play
Typical Color / Clarity D–F color, IF–VVS clarity (lab‑grown) D–Z color, FL–I3 clarity (wide range)
Average Price (≈ 1 ct) US $ 500 – 900 US $ 6 000 – 12 000
Origin & Ethics 100 % lab‑created, low environmental impact Natural or lab‑created; mining impact varies

With the same budget of a 1 carat white diamond, you can have 10 1-3 carat moissanites with better fire; zero mining, zero conflict. The retail price can be 30%-50% lower than diamonds, but the profit margin is higher. Many customers are afraid that their engagement rings will be lost or damaged in daily life, so they will choose a moissanite ring as a substitute for daily life or travel. For jewelers, the profit per piece doubles and the inventory pressure is halved.

 

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