Lab-Grown Diamonds vs. Moissanite: Key Differences You Should Know

If you’ve ever shopped for a diamond, you’ve probably come across the word moissanite and maybe even confused it with lab-grown diamonds. I don’t blame you—it’s a common mix-up. At first glance, both stones sparkle beautifully, and unless you know what to look for, they can seem almost the same. But the truth is, lab-grown diamonds and moissanite are two very different gems.

A lab-grown diamond is, quite simply, a real diamond. It’s made of pure carbon, just like a natural diamond from the earth. The only difference is that it’s created in a lab instead of underground over billions of years. On the other hand, moissanite is its own unique gemstone, made of silicon carbide. It isn’t a diamond at all—it just happens to look a lot like one.

The sparkle is where most people notice a difference. Diamonds have a sharp, classic brilliance, while moissanite tends to have more of a rainbow flash. Some people love that extra fire, but others feel it looks a little too much. Hardness is another key point. Diamonds—whether mined or lab-grown—are the hardest known material, scoring a perfect 10 on the Mohs scale. Moissanite is durable too, but at 9.25, it’s slightly softer, which means over years of wear it may show tiny scratches more easily than a diamond would.

Price is also something to consider. Moissanite is usually much more affordable than lab-grown diamonds. If budget is your top priority, moissanite can be a beautiful option. But if you want the timeless appeal of a real diamond—something chemically identical to what you’d find in nature—lab-grown is the way to go.

At the end of the day, it really comes down to what you value most. If you’re looking for the authentic sparkle and strength of a diamond at a more accessible price than mined stones, lab-grown is the perfect choice. But if you simply want something pretty, durable, and very budget-friendly, moissanite could work too. Neither choice is “wrong”—it’s all about what feels right for you.

Author- Aanchal Badola