Moissanite vs Lab Grown Diamond: A Complete Guide
If you’re shopping for a diamond alternative, you’ve likely come across moissanite and lab grown diamonds. Both are stunning, ethical, and affordable options compared to natural diamonds — but how do they really compare?
In this guide, we break down moissanite vs lab grown diamonds in terms of appearance, durability, cost, and value, so you can decide which one suits your style and budget.
Feature |
Moissanite |
Lab Grown Diamond |
---|---|---|
Composition |
Silicon Carbide |
Pure Carbon (like mined diamonds) |
Brilliance (Sparkle) |
More rainbow/fire-like |
More classic white sparkle |
Hardness (Mohs Scale) |
9.25 |
10 |
Price (per carat) |
Lower |
Higher (but less than natural diamonds) |
Ethical & Sustainable |
✅ |
✅ |
Ideal For |
Budget-conscious buyers |
Diamond lovers seeking value |
What is Moissanite?
Moissanite is a gemstone made from silicon carbide. First discovered in a meteor crater, it’s now lab-created for jewellery use. Known for its exceptional sparkle, moissanite emits rainbow-like flashes due to its high refractive index (2.65–2.69).
Pros of Moissanite:
-
More brilliance (fire)
-
Very durable (Mohs 9.25)
-
Affordable
-
Ethically sourced
Cons:
-
Can appear too sparkly (some say “disco ball” effect)
-
Not a diamond (for traditionalists)
What is a Lab Grown Diamond?
Lab grown diamonds are real diamonds created in controlled environments using either HPHT (High Pressure High Temperature) or CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition) methods. They are chemically and visually identical to mined diamonds.
Pros of Lab Grown Diamonds:
-
Same look and feel as mined diamonds
-
Lower cost (30–50% less than natural diamonds)
-
Ethical and eco-conscious
Cons:
-
Slightly more expensive than moissanite
-
Lower resale value compared to mined diamonds
How to Choose Between Moissanite and Lab Grown Diamond
Here’s how to decide:
-
Choose moissanite if:
You want maximum sparkle and affordability, and don’t mind if it’s not a diamond.
-
Choose lab grown diamond if:
You want a real diamond with better value and ethical sourcing.
💍 Visual Comparison: Moissanite vs Lab Diamond

Final Thoughts: Moissanite vs Lab Grown Diamond
Both moissanite and lab diamonds are brilliant, ethical, and modern choices. Whether you’re drawn to moissanite’s fiery sparkle or lab diamonds’ classic beauty, you can find a stone that reflects your values and style — without compromising quality.
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