Moissanite and cubic zirconia are sometimes used as substitutes for diamonds because they look similar. However, there are differences in hardness, brilliance, and price, so it's important to understand these differences before purchasing. This article explains the differences between moissanite and cubic zirconia.

Moissanite and cubic zirconia are popular gemstones that resemble diamonds, but few people understand the differences between them. Understanding the differences in brilliance, hardness, and price will help you avoid confusion when making a purchase. This article will explain the differences between moissanite and cubic zirconia in detail, comparing them to diamonds.

What is moissanite?

Moissanite is a mineral found in meteorites and, like diamonds, contains carbon. Natural moissanite is only found in meteorites, making it rare and extremely expensive. Currently, synthetic moissanite is produced by replicating the mineral. Thanks to advancements in technology, it has become readily available. Most of the moissanite on the market today is synthetic.

What is cubic zirconia?

Cubic zirconia is made by mixing zirconia with magnesium oxide, yttrium oxide, and other elements. While moissanite is difficult to distinguish from diamond, cubic zirconia is easily distinguishable.

The difference between moissanite and cubic zirconia

As mentioned above, moissanite and cubic zirconia look very similar to diamonds. Let's compare them by focusing on three points: hardness, brilliance, and price.

1. Hardness

The hardness of gemstones and minerals is measured using a scale called "Mohs hardness." Moissanite has a Mohs hardness of 9.5, while cubic zirconia has a Mohs hardness of 8.5, meaning moissanite is significantly harder.

2. Shine

The brilliance of a gemstone is expressed by its refractive index and dispersion, with higher values ​​indicating greater brilliance. Moissanite has a refractive index of 2.65-2.69 and a dispersion of 0.104, while cubic zirconia has a refractive index of 2.13 and a dispersion of 0.060. Comparing moissanite and cubic zirconia, moissanite shines more brightly. This beautiful brilliance is a characteristic of moissanite, and it is said to shine about 2.5 times brighter than a diamond of the same carat weight. However, this is also said to be due to the fact that its dispersion of light is about 2.5 times higher.

3. Price

In terms of price, cubic zirconia is cheaper than moissanite. Although there are some price differences depending on the retailer, moissanite is generally sold at a higher price. However, depending on the size, both can be purchased for one-tenth the price of a diamond, or even less. If you don't have a particular preference, some people choose moissanite or cubic zirconia for their engagement ring.

Make sure you understand the difference between moissanite and cubic zirconia before making your choice!

While both moissanite and cubic zirconia share the commonality of resembling diamonds, there are differences in their brilliance and hardness when compared side-by-side. Moissanite is still not widely available in Japan, so some people may not have seen it before. If you're unsure which to choose, comparing moissanite and cubic zirconia in person can help, but not all stores carry both. Therefore, it's recommended to thoroughly understand the differences between moissanite and cubic zirconia beforehand and decide which one you want to purchase.