How to Pass a Diamond Tester with Moissanite (And Why It’s Not a Fake Diamond)
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When you think of Moissanite, you might picture a stone that closely resembles a diamond. But with all the confusion around Moissanite’s ability to pass a diamond tester and whether it’s a “fake” diamond, you might be wondering what makes this gem so special. Let’s clear up the misconceptions, explore why Moissanite is not a fake diamond, and dive into the science behind how it behaves on a diamond tester.
What is Moissanite?
Moissanite is a gem that shines just as brightly as a diamond, but it has its own unique story. Originally discovered in a meteorite by French chemist Henri Moissan, it's made of silicon carbide. Today, almost all Moissanite stones are lab-created.
But the real question: Is it a “fake” diamond? Let’s get to the facts.
Moissanite vs. Diamond: What’s the Difference?
At first glance, Moissanite can be mistaken for a diamond, but they are not the same gemstone. Let’s break it down with some easy-to-understand visuals.
| Property | Moissanite | Diamond |
|---|---|---|
| Hardness | 9.25 (Mohs scale) | 10 (Mohs scale) |
| Refractive Index | 2.65 - 2.69 | 2.42 |
| Color | Slightly tinted | Generally colorless |
| Price | More affordable | Expensive |
How Does Moissanite Perform on a Diamond Tester?
You’ve probably heard that Moissanite can’t pass a diamond tester—but that’s not entirely true. Here's why:
How Diamond Testers Work:
Diamond testers work by measuring the thermal conductivity of a stone. Diamonds are excellent at conducting heat, which is why they pass the test. Moissanite also conducts heat, but in a different way, and as a result, some diamond testers might read it incorrectly.
Can Moissanite Pass the Test?
Most diamond testers will recognize Moissanite as a diamond, but there’s a catch: while Moissanite has similar thermal conductivity, it’s not identical to diamonds, so some testers might show a “fail” for Moissanite.
Here's a quick look at the differences in thermal conductivity:
| Gemstone | Thermal Conductivity (W/m·K) |
|---|---|
| Diamond | 2000 |
| Moissanite | 1200 |
| Other Gemstones | 200-500 |
This means that even though Moissanite has almost the same heat-conducting properties as diamonds, it can still be recognized by testers differently.
Why Moissanite is Not a Fake Diamond
You might still be wondering: Is Moissanite just a cheap imitation of a diamond? Absolutely not! Let’s clear that up.
Moissanite is a real gem—it has its own unique chemical composition (silicon carbide), making it distinct from diamonds. While it may look like a diamond, it's not pretending to be one. It's simply a gorgeous alternative.
Here are a few fun facts that set Moissanite apart:
- It’s not an imitation: Moissanite is a real, naturally occurring gemstone—though extremely rare in nature, it’s lab-grown for availability.
- Brilliance & Fire: Moissanite has a higher refractive index than diamonds, meaning it sparkles more. When the light hits just right, it can show off a rainbow of colors (a cool party trick, right?).
- Affordable Luxury: Moissanite offers diamond-like beauty at a fraction of the cost. So if you want that dazzling look without breaking the bank, Moissanite’s the way to go.
How to Tell Moissanite From a Diamond
If you’re still unsure whether your gem is a Moissanite or a diamond, here’s how you can tell them apart without any fancy gadgets:
The Sparkle Test:
Moissanite shines brighter than a diamond. Its rainbow-colored flashes make it a showstopper. Diamonds? They shine more white and crisp, with fewer flashes of color.
The Color Test:
Moissanite tends to have a slight color tint—often a faint yellow or greenish hue. If you notice this under certain lights, it’s Moissanite.
The Loupe Test:
Under magnification, Moissanite may have tiny inclusions known as “gas bubbles,” while diamonds have different types of inclusions, like crystals or feathers.
Is Moissanite the Right Choice for You?
If you’re someone who loves a bit of extra sparkle or wants a stone that looks like a diamond without the hefty price tag, Moissanite might be your best friend. It's a gem that offers beauty, fire, and value. And guess what? It’s not a fake diamond—it’s a real gemstone with its own distinctive qualities.
Ready to discover Moissanite for yourself? Explore a stunning collection of Moissanite jewelry, designed to shine as brightly as you do.