Is Moissanite A Lab Grown Diamond?
When shopping for engagement rings or diamond jewelry, you’ll likely come across both lab grown diamonds and moissanite. At first glance, they may seem similar but let’s clear up the biggest misconception: moissanites are not lab grown diamonds.
Yes, both are created in a lab and sparkle, yet they are entirely different gemstones. Here’s what sets them apart so you can make an informed choice when shopping for a ring or jewelry.
What Is Moissanite?
Moissanite is a gemstone made of silicon carbide. First discovered in a meteor crater in 1893, natural moissanite is so rare that nearly all moissanite sold today is lab created.
While it’s durable and beautiful, moissanite is not a diamond — it’s a distinct gemstone with its own qualities.
Key Insight: Moissanite is always lab created, but that doesn’t make it a lab grown diamond.
What Are Lab Grown Diamonds?
Lab grown diamonds are real diamonds made in a controlled environment. They share the exact same carbon composition, hardness, and brilliance as natural-mined diamonds.
They’re grown using two main methods:
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HPHT (High Pressure High Temperature) — mimics the heat and pressure of Earth’s mantle.
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CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition) — builds a diamond crystal layer by layer.
Lab grown = real diamond.
Moissanite = diamond alternative.
How They Compare:
Appearance
This is where confusion often begins, because both stones sparkle beautifully. But their light performance is different:
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Moissanite has an intense “rainbow sparkle.” Under certain lighting, it can create fiery flashes that some describe as a “disco-ball” effect.
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Lab Grown Diamonds display the same balance of brilliance (white light) and fire (colored light) as natural diamonds, giving them the timeless diamond look.
If you want a bolder, more colorful sparkle, moissanite may appeal to you. If you want the classic diamond brilliance, lab grown diamonds are the answer.
Durability and Hardness
Both moissanite and lab grown diamonds are suitable for daily wear, but they differ in hardness and toughness:
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Lab Grown Diamonds: 10 on the Mohs scale — the hardest natural material known. This makes them extremely resistant to scratching.
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Moissanite: 9.25 on the Mohs scale — still very durable, but slightly softer than diamonds. It can scratch over time with heavy wear.
Both stones are durable enough for engagement rings, but diamonds remain unmatched in hardness.
Value and Cost
Price is another key difference:
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Moissanite is generally the more affordable option, costing less per carat than diamonds.
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Lab Grown Diamonds are priced below natural-mined diamonds but above moissanite, making them a middle ground between affordability and tradition.
Why the Confusion?
Both are lab created and both are popular in the jewelry market. But the key difference remains:
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Moissanite = silicon carbide gemstone (diamond look-alike).
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Lab Grown = real diamond with the same properties as natural ones.
Choosing Diamonds with Confidence
If your goal is the timeless elegance of a real diamond, lab grown or natural is the right choice.
At The Diamond Guys, we specialize in helping couples find or design the perfect ring. Our team provides expert diamond guidance every step of the way.
We offer:
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Custom engagement rings crafted in white gold, yellow gold, rose gold, or platinum.
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A wide selection of natural-mined and lab grown diamonds.
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Personal service in our Scottsdale and Los Angeles showrooms.
Conclusion: Clarity Brings Confidence
So, is moissanite a lab grown diamond? No. Both are beautiful in their own right, but only lab grown and natural-mined diamonds carry the unmatched legacy, hardness, and brilliance of a true diamond.
At The Diamond Guys, we invite you to explore natural and lab grown diamonds and design a piece that reflects your love story with brilliance.
Scottsdale Showroom
14601 N. Scottsdale Rd, Suite 125
Scottsdale, AZ 85254 | Tel: 480-656-0652
Los Angeles Showroom
16255 Ventura Blvd, Suite 515
Encino, CA 91436 | Tel: 213-510-3555
