Which Sparkles More? A Deep Dive into Moissanite vs. Cubic Zirconia

When it comes to choosing a gemstone that combines beauty and affordability, moissanite and cubic zirconia are two of the most popular alternatives to traditional diamonds. Both stones offer an eye-catching sparkle and durability at a fraction of the cost of diamonds, making them excellent choices for everything from engagement rings to everyday jewelry.

However, while they may appear similar at first glance, moissanite and cubic zirconia have distinct properties and advantages that attract different tastes and budgets. In this article, we will delve into the characteristics of each stone, exploring their origins, durability, optical qualities, and overall value.

Whether you're a first-time buyer or a seasoned jewelry enthusiast, understanding these differences will help you make an informed decision on which gemstone best suits your needs.

 

 

What is Cubic Zirconia?

Cubic zirconia (CZ) is a synthetic gemstone that closely resembles a diamond due to its optical properties. First developed in the 1970s, cubic zirconia is made from zirconium dioxide, a crystalline material that offers impressive brilliance and clarity. It is a cost-effective alternative to diamonds, making it a popular choice for fashion jewelry.
Despite its diamond-like appearance, cubic zirconia is much softer than a diamond, with a rating of 8-8.5 on the Mohs scale of hardness, and can wear over time, leading to a loss of luster.

 

What is Moissanite?

Moissanite is a gemstone that was originally discovered in meteorite fragments in 1893 by French scientist Henri Moissan. Today, moissanite is primarily lab-created, composed of silicon carbide, which gives it remarkable hardness (9.25-9.5 on the Mohs scale) and brilliance.
Moissanite is known for its fire—greater even than that of a diamond—and its durability makes it suitable for daily wear. It serves as an eco-friendly and less expensive alternative to diamonds while providing superior reflective properties and longevity compared to cubic zirconia.

What is a Lab Diamond?

Lab diamonds, also known as synthetic or cultured diamonds, are real diamonds produced in a controlled laboratory setting rather than mined from the earth. They are created using one of two methods: High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) or Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD). These methods replicate the natural conditions under which diamonds form over millions of years.
Lab diamonds have the same chemical, physical, and optical properties as natural diamonds, making them just as durable (with a 10 on the Mohs scale) and brilliant. They are an ethical and environmentally sustainable option that offers the genuine beauty and qualities of mined diamonds without the associated ethical and environmental issues.

Moissanite vs. Cubic Zirconia: A Detailed Comparison

When choosing between moissanite and cubic zirconia, understanding their differences in origin, composition, and other essential characteristics can guide your decision. Let’s explore these gemstones in detail.

Feature	Moissanite	Cubic Zirconia
Brilliance	Exceptionally high; more fire than diamonds	High brilliance; tends to display a rainbow effect
Hardness and Durability	Very high (9.25-9.5 on Mohs scale); excellent for daily wear	Moderate (8-8.5 on Mohs scale); less durable
Color	Available in colorless and near-colorless; minimal color tints	Typically colorless; can show more noticeable "rainbow" dispersion
Clarity	Generally flawless or near-flawless	High clarity but can cloud over time
Price	Available in colorless and near-colorless; minimal color tints	Typically colorless; can show more noticeable "rainbow" dispersion
Clarity	Generally flawless or near-flawless	High clarity but can cloud over time
Price	More expensive than cubic zirconia but affordable compared to diamonds	Very affordable; much cheaper than moissanite
Ethical and Environmental	Eco-friendly; avoids mining impacts	Also lab-created, but the process is energy-intensive
Longevity and Maintenance	Low maintenance; remains clear and scratch-free with basic care	Requires more care to avoid scratching and clouding
Value	Higher due to durability and popularity	Generally very low or negligible
Usage	Suitable for all types of jewelry, including engagement rings	Best suited for fashion jewelry or less frequent wear
Usage	Suitable for all types of jewelry, including engagement rings	Best suited for fashion jewelry or less frequent wear
Popularity and Acceptance	Increasingly popular, especially for significant jewelry like engagement rings	Popular in fashion jewelry but less accepted for major life events

ORIGIN AND COMPOSITION

Moissanite: Originally discovered in meteorites, moissanite is now primarily lab-created. It is made from silicon carbide, a durable and brilliant material that lends itself well to jewelry.

Cubic Zirconia: This synthetic gemstone is made from zirconium dioxide, first developed for industrial purposes before becoming popular in jewelry. It's manufactured through a melting process involving zirconium oxide and other minerals.

 

BRILLIANCE

Moissanite: Moissanite is highly prized for its brilliance and fire (dispersion). It has a refractive index from 2.65 to 2.69, making it one of the most brilliant gemstones on the market.

Cubic Zirconia: While cubic zirconia also exhibits high brilliance, its fire exceeds that of most diamonds. However, it lacks the same quality and spectrum of light dispersion seen in moissanite.

 

Hardness and Durability

Moissanite: With a hardness rating of 9.25-9.5 on the Mohs scale, moissanite is extremely durable and suitable for everyday wear.

Cubic Zirconia: Softer than moissanite, cubic zirconia scores 8-8.5 on the Mohs scale. It is prone to scratches and wear over time, making it less ideal for an engagement ring or daily wear jewelry.

 

 

COLOR

Moissanite: Colorless moissanites are almost indistinguishable from diamonds and can also come in a range of hues similar to diamonds, from clear to yellow tints.

Cubic Zirconia: Typically, cubic zirconia is colorless, but it can show a more noticeable "rainbow effect," which may be considered less natural compared to the subtler dispersion of moissanite and diamonds.

Clarity

Moissanite: Most moissanite stones are created to be almost flawless in clarity, with very few visible inclusions.

Cubic Zirconia: Cubic zirconia is also manufactured to have excellent clarity, though over time, it can absorb oils and chemicals which may cloud the stone.

 

Price

Moissanite: While more expensive than cubic zirconia, moissanite is still much less costly than diamonds, making it a valuable choice for those seeking durability and brilliance without the diamond price tag.

Cubic Zirconia: Extremely affordable, cubic zirconia offers significant savings but may lack the longevity and overall quality of more expensive gemstones like moissanite or diamonds.

Ethical and Environmental Impact

Moissanite: As a lab-created gemstone, moissanite offers a significant ethical advantage by avoiding the often environmentally damaging effects of traditional mining. Its production has a much lower environmental impact, making it an appealing choice for eco-conscious consumers.

Cubic Zirconia: Similar to moissanite, cubic zirconia is also synthesized in laboratories, thus avoiding the pitfalls of mining. However, the production process for cubic zirconia is energy-intensive, although it still represents a more environmentally friendly option compared to mined stones.

 

Longevity and Maintenance

Moissanite: Moissanite is incredibly durable and resistant to scratches and abrasion, which contributes to its longevity. It requires minimal maintenance, similar to that of a diamond, typically needing only periodic cleaning with mild soap and water.

Cubic Zirconia: While easy to care for, cubic zirconia is more susceptible to wear and tear over time. It can scratch and become cloudy, requiring more frequent polishing and careful handling to maintain its appearance

 

Setting Options

Moissanite: Moissanite is versatile and can be set in a variety of jewelry styles, from classic to modern designs. It is strong enough to be set in any metal, including less dense options like silver or gold.

Cubic Zirconia: Due to its lower hardness, cubic zirconia may require more protective settings, especially for daily wear items. It is commonly set in a range of metals, but care must be taken to protect the stone from potential damage.