The appearance of moissanite is very similar to natural diamonds, and it is difficult to distinguish with the naked eye. It is also a gemstone whose physical properties are closest to natural diamonds. Here are some differences between them.
1. Specific gravity
Moissanite is lighter than diamond, that is, they have different specific gravity, the specific gravity of diamond is 3.52, while the specific gravity of moissanite is only 3.22. For unmounted materials, it is easy to distinguish the two with methyl iodide specific gravity solution (specific gravity 3.32).
2. Hardness
The hardness of moissanite is less than that of diamond, so using a diamond hardness tester to scratch the surface of moissanite will leave scratches, but the scratch tester will not leave scratches on the surface of diamonds.
3. Conductivity
According to the GIA report, 80% of moissanite are electrical conductors. Common white/light yellow diamonds are not conductive, so a conductivity meter or moissanite can be used to identify diamonds and moissanite.
4. Refractive index
Moissanite has a different refractive index and light-reflecting characteristics than diamond. In addition, moissanite has double refraction, so it is not difficult to see the double image of moissanite’s ridgeline and culet if you observe. At this time, if you change the viewing angle, the double image will still appear.
5. Two-axis optical characteristics
When observed from the main facet of the table, the ghost image is more obvious. Although the ghost effect will be reduced when the table is perpendicular to the c-axis of the moissanite crystal axis, the reflection ghost of the table and crown facets can still be seen when focusing on the culet.
6. Polished pattern
Moissanite’s girdle polish lines are parallel to each other, which is completely different from diamonds. Moreover, due to the differences in different directions, the polishing direction must be constantly adjusted during the diamond polishing process, while moissanite can be polished in the same direction.
7. Cutting
Most cut moissanite has blunt ridges, unlike diamonds, which have sharp ridges.
8. Contents
Diamond inclusions are not the same as moissanite inclusions. All identified moissanite have inclusions arranged in parallel needles. Thin parallel lines of reflection are visible in some moissanite.
9. Color
Since Moissanite launched a DF-grade color synchronized with diamonds in 2015, it is difficult to distinguish the two from the color.
