Moissanite and lab-grown diamonds are the two most common alternatives to mined diamonds. They can look similar in a photo, but they are different materials with different properties and prices. Here is a plain comparison.
Quick answer
A lab-grown diamond is a real diamond (crystallized carbon) made in a laboratory. Moissanite is a different gemstone (silicon carbide). Lab-grown diamond costs more and is the choice if you want "a diamond"; moissanite costs less and shows more colorful sparkle.
Side-by-side
| Moissanite | Lab-grown diamond | |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Silicon carbide (SiC) | Carbon (same as mined diamond) |
| Hardness (Mohs) | 9.25 | 10 |
| Refractive index | About 2.65–2.69 (double refractive) | About 2.42 |
| Dispersion ("fire") | About 0.104 – more rainbow flashes | About 0.044 – more white brilliance |
| Is it a diamond? | No | Yes |
| Typical grading | Color and clarity grades; often a GRA report | 4Cs; reports from labs such as IGI or GIA |
| Relative price | Lower | Higher |
How they look
Because moissanite has higher dispersion, it throws more rainbow-colored flashes, especially in sunlight and in larger stones. Lab-grown diamond shows a crisper, whiter sparkle. In small stones set closely together—as in tennis chains and iced-out pendants—most people cannot tell them apart at a normal viewing distance.
Durability
Both are hard enough for daily wear. Diamond (10 on the Mohs scale) is the hardest natural material; moissanite (9.25) is harder than sapphire and ruby. In practice, the setting and metal usually wear before either stone does.
What does "VVS" mean here?
VVS ("very very slightly included") is a clarity grade, not a type of stone. Both moissanite and lab-grown diamonds can be VVS clarity. Always check which stone a product actually uses—Bornreal lists the stone type on every product page.
Which should you choose?
- Choose moissanite for iced-out chains, pendants and grillz where you want maximum sparkle per dollar.
- Choose lab-grown diamond for engagement rings and heirloom pieces where "real diamond" matters to you or the recipient.
FAQ
Will a diamond tester detect moissanite?
Basic thermal testers often read moissanite as diamond. Multi-testers that also measure electrical conductivity can tell them apart.
Do moissanite or lab-grown diamonds get cloudy?
Neither changes over time. Cloudiness is almost always dirt or oil and can be cleaned with mild soapy water and a soft brush.
Are lab-grown diamonds "fake"?
No. They have the same chemical and physical properties as mined diamonds; only the origin differs.
Related reading: Lab-grown vs. natural diamond and Is a moissanite engagement ring worth it?