What is difference lab grown diamond vs moissanite diamond ?
Lab-grown diamonds and moissanite diamonds are both excellent alternatives to mined diamonds, but they differ significantly in terms of composition, appearance, cost, and more. Here's a breakdown of the key differences:
1. Composition
- Lab-Grown Diamond: Made from carbon, just like natural diamonds, and has the same chemical, physical, and optical properties as mined diamonds.
- Moissanite: Composed of silicon carbide, a completely different material from diamonds.
2. Appearance
- Lab-Grown Diamond: Virtually identical to natural diamonds, with the same sparkle, brilliance, and fire. It’s challenging to distinguish a lab-grown diamond from a natural one without specialized equipment.
- Moissanite: Known for its high brilliance and fire, moissanite tends to sparkle more than diamonds. Its sparkle has a rainbow-like effect, which some find overly flashy compared to the subtler brilliance of diamonds.
3. Hardness
- Lab-Grown Diamond: Scores a 10 on the Mohs scale, making it the hardest known material, just like natural diamonds.
- Moissanite: Scores 9.25, making it extremely durable but slightly softer than diamonds.
4. Price
- Lab-Grown Diamond: More affordable than natural diamonds but more expensive than moissanite.
- Moissanite: A fraction of the cost of both natural and lab-grown diamonds, making it a budget-friendly choice.
5. Origin and Sustainability
- Lab-Grown Diamond: Created in a lab using advanced technology, offering an ethical and eco-friendly alternative to mined diamonds.
- Moissanite: Also lab-created and sustainable, but it is not a diamond or diamond simulant—it’s a distinct gemstone.
6. Color and Clarity
- Lab-Grown Diamond: Available in a range of colors and grades, closely mirroring natural diamond standards.
- Moissanite: Usually near-colorless but may show a slight yellow or gray hue in certain lighting conditions.
Which Should You Choose?
- Choose lab-grown diamonds if you want a real diamond with identical properties to natural diamonds but at a lower cost.
- Choose moissanite if you want a unique, brilliant gemstone at an even more affordable price, without needing a "true diamond."
Let me know if you'd like further comparisons or guidance!