Moissanite VS Diamonds

I found some earrings that I thought were made of diamonds....and I liked them. Then I read that the stones were actually a man-made stone called moissanite. Being a bit of a skeptic, and not truly sure if this was just some fancy way to sell CZ, I submitted a request for information to the GIA. Imagine my surprise to receive a detailed response. I have posted the response below, because I found it interesting. Who knows, perhaps I will buy those earrings after all!!!

Dear Elizabeth:

Synthetic moissanite, produced by Charles & Colvard (http://www.moissanite.com/) is an option to a natural diamond. I would suggest that you look at the synthetic moissanite in person prior to purchase to make sure you like how it looks. If this is an online purchase, please read the vendor’s return policy in case you decide you do not like it once you see it.

As for its durability, hardness refers to resistance to scratching. The hardness of synthetic moissanite is 9.25 and the hardness of diamond is 10. The hardness of ruby and sapphire is 9.  Toughness refers to resistance to breaking, chipping or cracking. The toughness of synthetic moissanite is Excellent. The toughness of diamond ranges from Good to Excellent because diamond’s toughness depends on cleavage planes.

I’ve not seen an independent gemological research paper stating that the color of synthetic moissanite will change over time.  In comparison, colorless CZ, another diamond simulant which is also a synthetic, has been documented to become yellow over time.

A notable feature of synthetic moissanite is the appearance of doubling of the facets. You will have to decide if you like the way this looks. To see what this looks like, please click on this link: http://www.google.com/images?hl=en&source=hp&biw=1186&bih=697&q=doubling+facets+moissanite&gbv=2&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&oq=. If the link does not work, I went to Google Images (http://www.google.com/imghp) and searched on this phrase: doubling facets moissanite. It is still best to view the synthetic moissanite in person.

As for its brilliance that depends on how well cut the stone is. Brilliance is a combination of all the reflections from the surface of the stone and the inside of the stone. It gives the stone its brightness and flash.

Good luck with your purchase and please let me know if you have any further questions.

Sincerely,

Rose Tozer

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Rosemary Tozer
Senior Librarian
Richard T. Liddicoat Gemological Library and Information Center
GIA World Headquarters
The Robert Mouawad Campus 
5345 Armada Drive
Carlsbad, California  92008