Choosing a gemstone can be extremely confusing for jewellery buyers. Lab-grown diamonds and moissanite, made in labs, are two popular equivalents.
But knowing the differences between these two stones will allow you to make a wise decision.
The following article will examine the differences between lab-grown diamonds and moissanite and explain why it is preferable to purchase a lab-grown diamond.
A lab-grown diamond: What is it?
Lab-grown diamonds are created using advanced technology to mimic their natural development in carefully regulated laboratory settings.
These diamonds are difficult to distinguish with the naked eye because of their comparable chemical, optical, and physical properties to mined diamonds.
Additionally, they resemble real diamonds in terms of optical, thermal, and electrical characteristics. That is to say, they continue to be known as being real diamonds, which is fantastic!
The primary distinction between a lab-created and a naturally occurring diamond is their formation process. Lab diamonds are produced in a controlled environment in a matter of weeks or months, whereas natural diamonds form over millions of years deep under the earth's crust.
Lab-created diamonds are therefore less costly than real diamonds. For those who want a diamond but are searching for a more cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative, they might be a wonderful choice. For people who have moral reservations about the mining of natural diamonds, they are also a good choice.
Is Moissanite a Lab-Grown Diamond?
No, Moissanite is not a lab-grown diamond. Although Moissanite and lab diamonds are both produced in a laboratory, their composition and characteristics differ.
Not to be confused with a diamond, moissanite is a silicon carbide mineral. It's quite cool that moissanite was first found in a meteorite crater, but it's also made in a lab nowadays.
What is a Moissanite, then?
Henri Moissan, a French physicist, made the initial discovery of moissanite in 1893 when he found it in a meteor crater.
Since naturally occurring moissanite is extremely rare, the majority of what we see in jewellery stores is artificially manufactured. It is well-known for its fire and brilliance because of its silicon carbide content.
Why should you opt for lab-grown diamonds instead?
Lab-Grown Diamonds
Authenticity: Unlike moissanite, which is a simulacrum diamond, lab-grown diamonds are real because they have all the physical, chemical, and optical properties of natural diamonds while being created in a lab.
Hardness and Durability: Lab-grown diamonds are the hardest known substance, with a Moh's rating of 10, making them the hardest material ever discovered. Because of this, they are resistant to normal wear and tear without losing their brightness.
Radiance and Fire: Lab-grown diamonds are just as brilliant as natural ones, and they glitter in a timeless way thanks to their white light reflection.
Colour Refraction: Lab-grown diamonds are highly appreciated for their amazing shine since they have the same refractive index as real diamonds, which is 2.42.
Value: Although more expensive than moissanite, lab-grown diamonds are less expensive than natural ones, providing a fair compromise between cost and real diamond value.
Aesthetics: These are perfect for any kind of jewellery since they have the timeless elegance and traditional glitter of real diamonds.
Moissanite
Authenticity: Although it looks similar to a diamond, moissanite is a different kind of gemstone with different characteristics.
Hardness and Durability: Measuring 9.25 on the Moh's scale, moissanite is slightly softer than diamond.
Radiance and Fire: Since moissanite has a greater refractive index than diamonds, it has more vivid sparkles, which might be unnecessary given diamonds' classic appearance.
Colour Refraction: Those who prefer the traditional diamond look may find Moissanite's more vivid rainbow hue to be less appealing due to its higher refractive index, which ranges from 2.65 to 2.69.
Value: Although less expensive than lab-grown diamonds, which it genuinely mimics, moissanite is less valuable.
Aesthetics: Although it has a lovely, unique sheen, it still does not appeal to people who are searching for a diamond-like appearance.
Conclusion
While moissanite and lab-grown diamonds both have benefits, lab-grown diamonds are superior in terms of authenticity, longevity, and traditional beauty.
(left one: moissanite & right one: lab-grown diamonds)
They are just like genuine diamonds, minus the ethical issues associated with stones that are mined.
The best option if you're looking for the ideal blend of beauty, value, and responsibility is lab-grown diamonds.