Diamonds have been celebrated for centuries as the ultimate symbol of love, beauty, and endurance. In recent years, however, moissanite has emerged as a popular alternative, winning hearts with its brilliance, durability, and affordability. At first glance, the two gemstones can appear strikingly similar, but there are significant differences in origin, properties, appearance, and price.

In this guide, we’ll explore exactly what sets moissanite apart from natural diamonds — including clarity on whether they can scratch glass, how to tell them apart visually, and what to expect in terms of value.

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1. Origin: Earth vs. Lab

The first and perhaps most fundamental difference is their origin.

• Natural Diamonds are formed deep within the Earth’s mantle under immense heat and pressure over billions of years. They are then brought closer to the surface by volcanic activity before being mined.
• Moissanite, on the other hand, was first discovered in 1893 by French scientist Henri Moissan in a meteor crater. Natural moissanite is extremely rare, so almost all moissanite on the market today is lab-created. This means it can be produced in a controlled environment without the extensive mining process required for diamonds.

From an ethical and environmental standpoint, lab-grown moissanite often appeals to those looking for a more sustainable option.

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2. Hardness and the Glass Test

A common question people ask is whether a gemstone can scratch glass — a simple hardness test that’s often used in casual jewelry discussions.

• Can natural diamonds scratch glass?
  Absolutely. Diamonds rank 10 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, making them the hardest natural substance known. This means they can scratch virtually any other material, including ordinary glass, with ease.
• Can moissanite scratch glass?
  Yes, but there’s a nuance. Moissanite is almost as hard as diamond, ranking 9.25 on the Mohs scale. It will also scratch glass without a problem. This is why using the glass test alone isn’t enough to differentiate between the two.

Takeaway: Both moissanite and diamonds will pass the “glass scratch test,” so you’ll need more advanced methods to tell them apart.

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3. Appearance: The Sparkle Factor

While moissanite and diamonds are similar at first glance, they have distinct optical properties.

• Brilliance:
  Diamonds reflect light in three ways — brilliance (white light), dispersion (rainbow-colored flashes), and scintillation (sparkle when the stone moves). Moissanite exhibits more fire (rainbow flashes) than diamonds due to its higher refractive index (2.65 vs. diamond’s 2.42). Some people love this extra sparkle, while others prefer the more subtle, classic diamond look.
• Color:
  Natural diamonds come in a range of color grades from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow or brown). Colorless diamonds are rare and command higher prices. Moissanite is typically near-colorless, though older moissanite varieties sometimes show a slight yellow or greenish tint under certain lighting.
• Clarity:
  Both gems are generally free of visible inclusions to the naked eye, especially when purchased from reputable sellers. However, diamonds are graded by strict clarity standards, while moissanite is often produced to appear flawless.

Tip: Under magnification, you may see a “double refraction” effect in moissanite, which diamonds don’t have.

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4. Price Differences

One of the most significant distinctions between moissanite and diamonds is the cost.

• Natural Diamonds: Prices vary greatly depending on the “4 Cs” — carat, cut, color, and clarity. Large, flawless diamonds can cost tens of thousands of dollars or more.
• Moissanite: On average, moissanite costs 80–90% less than a natural diamond of similar size and appearance. This makes it a popular choice for budget-conscious buyers or those who prefer to spend their savings elsewhere.

Example: A 1-carat round brilliant diamond might cost $5,000 or more, while a 1-carat moissanite of comparable appearance could be $500–$800.

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5. Durability and Daily Wear

When it comes to durability, both stones are excellent choices for everyday jewelry.

• Diamonds: Being the hardest material on Earth, they are extremely resistant to scratching, though they can still chip if struck at the right angle.
• Moissanite: Nearly as hard, moissanite also withstands daily wear very well. Its toughness (resistance to breaking) is actually slightly higher than that of diamonds, making it less prone to chipping in certain cases.

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6. Ethical and Environmental Considerations

Ethical sourcing has become an important factor for many jewelry buyers.

• Natural Diamonds can be ethically sourced, especially with modern certification systems like the Kimberley Process, but there’s still debate about the environmental impact of diamond mining.
• Moissanite is lab-created, requiring no mining and minimal environmental disruption, which makes it attractive to eco-conscious buyers.

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7. Which Should You Choose?

Your choice between moissanite and a natural diamond depends on your priorities:

• If you value tradition, rarity, and classic beauty, a natural diamond might be the right fit.
• If you prioritize affordability, sustainability, and extra sparkle, moissanite could be your perfect match.

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Quick Comparison Table

Feature	Natural Diamond	Moissanite
Origin	Earth-formed	Lab-created
Mohs Hardness	10	9.25
Scratches Glass?	Yes	Yes
Sparkle Style	Balanced white & fire	More rainbow fire
Price (1-carat)	$5,000+	$50–$800
Ethical Impact	Mining required	Minimal mining

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Final Thoughts

Both moissanite and natural diamonds are beautiful, durable, and worthy of admiration. While diamonds carry the weight of history, rarity, and status, moissanite offers a modern alternative with brilliant sparkle at a fraction of the cost. Understanding their differences — from hardness and sparkle to ethics and price — will help you choose the gemstone that aligns best with your style, values, and budget.