Diamond Alternatives - Moissanite Vs Cubic Zirconia

Moissanite and cubic zirconia are two popular alternatives to diamond that many consumers turn to when selecting jewelry pieces – particularly earrings and engagement rings. Each stone offers numerous advantages that make them suitable choices.

Moissanite is a laboratory-grown gemstone with roots in meteorite discoveries by Nobel Prize-winning chemist Henri Moissan; cubic zirconia was invented during the 1930s.

1. Appearance

Moissanite and cubic zirconia have similar appearances; both offer sparkling shine when worn and can serve as an affordable diamond alternative. But each has their own set of distinct attributes and benefits that set them apart from one another.

Moissanite offers many advantages over diamond, including having a higher refractive index that produces more vibrant and scintillating effects when light hits it. Furthermore, moissanite can be cut in various styles and shapes-from traditional round brilliant cuts to more creative and unique designs-giving it an edge in terms of appearance and value.

Cubic zirconia, on the other hand, is a synthetic gem made of zirconium oxide. Discovered in 1892 and initially considered worthless until scientists began melting it at high temperatures to form crystals during the 1930s; after which time, cubic zirconia has been increasingly used as an artificial diamond simulant in jewellery since 1970s.

Cubic zirconia differs chemically from diamonds by being composed of silicon and oxygen atoms instead. This makes the material easily identifiable when looking through a microscope; diamonds feature carbon particles which appear as tiny spots while cubic zirconia doesn’t.

While moissanite is typically produced in laboratories to be colorless and eye-clean, depending on its composition it can sometimes have subtle yellow or brown tints depending on its hues. Cubic zirconia comes in an array of hues which mimic fancy diamonds in some ways; however, moissanite reigns supreme as its beauty stands out as more radiant and sparkly than CZ. Moissanite also boasts three times tougher hardness ratings at 7.6 PSI against just 2.4 for CZ; therefore making moissanite over three times tougher and an excellent choice for engagement rings!

2. Brilliance

Diamonds have long reigned supreme when it comes to jewelry, but recently moissanite and cubic zirconia are emerging as worthy rivals. Both materials are beautiful yet durable – but which is the better option for you? Moissanite tends to be brighter and more beautiful than cubic zirconia while remaining more affordable than natural diamonds – making it the superior option for budget shoppers.

Moissanite boasts a higher index of refraction than cubic zirconia, meaning that light bends more times when passing through it and creating an immensely more brilliant gemstone. This makes Moissanite more desirable and easy to spot under jewelers loupes used by jewellers and watchmakers for quality assurance purposes.

Moissanite and CZ are both synthetic materials made up of man-made components instead of elemental carbon, but they differ considerably due to being naturally occurring minerals while CZ is entirely man-made to resemble diamond.

Moissanite is also more eco-friendly than diamonds as its source is found in laboratories instead of mines in conflict zones where human rights violations and environmental degradation often take place. This has contributed to its increasing popularity, which stands out among diamond peers by being more ethical and environmentally responsible than its alternatives.

Moissanite and CZ are both harder than diamonds, but moissanite stands out as being especially resilient when it comes to durability in jewelry. With an incredible toughness rating of 7.6 PSI – more than three times greater resistance against chipping and breaking compared to CZ. Furthermore, Moissanite remains scratch-resistant even after extensive wear-and-tear.

3. Hardness

Since its invention in the 1970s, cubic zirconia has become an immensely popular diamond alternative due to its low cost and durability. This stone can provide the same sparkle without breaking the bank – and can even be found as jewelry and other accessories due to its sparkly qualities.

Cubic zirconia (CZ) is an artificial zirconium dioxide crystal manufactured to mimic diamonds and other gemstones, and can be dyed into any number of hues by mixing it with certain color-producing elements. CZ can range in color from white through purple to pink; some people mistake this synthetic gem for natural diamonds; however, special tests exist which can detect whether natural and fake ones exist.

Moissanite is a naturally occurring mineral that’s harder and more durable than cubic zirconia, making it more suitable for eco-conscious jewelry users. Plus, moissanite has an impressive refractive index score which creates more sparkle that more closely mimics that of real diamonds.

Cubic zirconia features a lower refractive index than moissanite, meaning it doesn’t reflect as much light and has less vibrant appearances. This can make identifying fake diamonds easier; however, genuine stones still offer superior luster and heavier feel in comparison with their cubic zirconia counterparts.

4. Value

While moissanite and cubic zirconia may appear similar, each has their own set of distinct features that could make one the superior choice depending on your requirements.

Cubic zirconia (CZ), commonly referred to as an inexpensive gemstone simulant and commonly found in jewelry pieces. While CZ can be created to look like diamonds for an affordable option, there can be downsides associated with using CZ as an alternative for real diamonds.

Moissanite stands out in many ways over other stones: for one, its tendency to absorb dirt and oil quickly can make the stone appear cloudy or dull over time, according to many customers. On the other hand, moisturesanite tends to absorb less finger oil or cosmetic products than its counterpart, helping it maintain its sparkling look for longer.

Moissanite gemstones possess a higher refractive index than both diamonds and cubic zirconia, creating more brilliance and fire due to its double refraction property – light bends twice when passing through this gem! Although this effect can be difficult to see directly, you can detect it using a 10x loupe, an inexpensive magnifying glass used by jewellers and watchmakers to detect double refraction.

Though both moissanite and CZ can be beautiful stones, moissanite truly stands out as being more breathtaking in terms of fire and brilliance than its CZ counterpart. This makes it the superior choice when selecting stones for engagement rings or jewelry pieces as it has greater durability while costing significantly less than diamond.

5. Sustainability

Both moissanite and cubic zirconia have gained widespread acclaim as viable diamond alternatives, but there are several factors to keep in mind when making a selection. Moissanite offers exceptional durability and fire while at times costing more than its cubic zirconia counterpart; ultimately it comes down to personal choice and budget considerations when making this choice.

Both stones are lab-grown, providing an ethically sustainable option to mined diamonds. Natural diamonds often originate in conflict zones where human rights abuses and environmental damage have taken place; while moissanite and cubic zirconia are produced under controlled environments to eliminate ethical concerns.

Both stones boast ethical credentials as well as being durable and cost-effective, with cubic zirconia typically being slightly cheaper than moissanite; both stones offer beautiful sparkle at an accessible price point and make an excellent investment for those who value affordability.

As it’s less porous, moissanite is less likely to accumulate dirt and grime, meaning less frequent cleaning needs. On the other hand, cubic zirconia may become more vulnerable over time to scratches and oxidation than its counterpart.

Though both moissanite and cubic zirconia offer beautiful sparkle, moissanite is considered superior due to the unique double refraction process used during its creation – outshone even by diamonds! Moissanite stands out as a precious gem offering exceptional value and durability.

Moissanite is an exquisite gemstone found only in meteorites, giving it an intimate link with celestial events and space itself. While much of today’s moissanite is lab-created, its remarkable natural beauty and timeless charm still remain, making it the ideal choice for anyone seeking an affordable and ethical diamond alternative.