Selecting a gemstone can take a lot of work for those who purchase jewellery. Two common equivalents are moissanite, created in laboratories, and lab-grown diamonds.

However, knowing the differences between these two stones can help you make an informed choice. The differences between lab-grown diamonds and moissanite will be discussed in the upcoming article, along with the reasons why buying a lab-grown diamond is better.

A lab-grown diamond: What is it?

Lab-grown diamonds are produced in highly monitored laboratory environments, imitating their natural development via the use of cutting-edge technology.

These diamonds have similar chemical, visual, and physical characteristics to mined diamonds, making it challenging to tell them apart from the human eye.In addition, their optical, thermal, and electrical properties are similar to those of real diamonds. The fact is, it's great that they are still recognized as real diamonds!

The formation process is the main difference between a naturally occurring diamond and one that was generated in a lab. Natural diamonds form over millions of years deep under the earth's crust, whereas lab diamonds are created in a controlled setting in a matter of weeks or months.

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.

Why Choose Lab-Grown Diamonds Over Moissanite?

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?

1. Authenticity:

Lab-Grown Diamonds: Unlike moissanite, which is a simulacre 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.

Moissanite: Although it looks similar to a diamond, moissanite is a different kind of gemstone with different characteristics.

2. Hardness and Durability:

Lab-Grown Diamonds: 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.

Moissanite: Measuring 9.25 on the Moh's scale, moissanite is slightly softer than diamond.

3. Radiance and Fire:

Lab-Grown Diamonds: Lab-grown diamonds are just as brilliant as natural ones, and they glitter in a timeless way thanks to their white light reflection.

Moissanite: Since moissanite has a greater refractive index than diamonds, it has more vivid sparkles, which might be unnecessary given diamonds' classic appearance.

4. Colour Refraction:

Lab-Grown Diamonds: Lab-grown diamonds are highly appreciated for their amazing shine since they have the same refractive index as real diamonds, which is 2.42.

Moissanite: 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.

5. Value:

Lab-Grown Diamonds: Although more expensive than moissanite, lab-grown diamonds are less expensive than natural ones, providing a fair compromise between cost and real diamond value.

Moissanite: Although less expensive than lab-grown diamonds, which it genuinely mimics, moissanite is less valuable.

6. Aesthetics:

Lab-Grown Diamonds: These are perfect for any kind of jewellery since they have the timeless elegance and traditional glitter of real diamonds.

Moissanite: 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.

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.