Moissanite is a beautiful alternative to diamond. How do you know whether the engagement ring you picked or that came with your setting has Moissanite instead of diamonds? Tests have been done on both Moissanite and diamonds by Tester Ranch to determine their authenticity. But, Does Moissanite Pass Diamond Tester? Keep reading our article; Byboe will show you the answer.
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A Brief Introduction to Moissanite
Moissanite, a gemstone that looks like diamonds, is often misidentified, mainly when basic diamond testers are used.
For example, if you use the heat conductivity test, it is often challenging to distinguish Moissanite and diamond due to their similar thermal conductivity.
They have different electrical properties, so testing the electrical conductivity is more accurate and precise and helps to avoid confusion with the Moissanite used in the diamond.
What exactly is Moissanite?
Moissanite is a natural mineral that is extracted from the earth. It looks very similar to diamonds. Moissanite has a fascinating and mysterious history, which some consider a myth.
The history of Moissanite can be summed up by knowing that the stone was discovered first in tiny pieces in the Arizona desert, at the site of a meteorite impact.
The majority of natural Moissanite has been found in meteorite impacts sites around the globe. It is, therefore, safe to say that natural Moissanite has traveled quite a distance to reach the earth.
What is Moissanite? This gemstone is made from Silicon Carbide or SiC. The evidence shows that most SiC grains in the Moissanite are derived from Asymptotic giant star (branch stars), which is carbon-rich.
This can be deduced using the infrared spectrum. French Scientists discovered that the diamond he believed was a gemstone was different.
Moissanite, like the diamond, is brutal. It is the only stone that is nearly as hard as diamonds. Synthetic Moissanite is an excellent alternative to diamonds.
It can be used in jewelry as well as industrial applications. The Moissanite, on the other hand, is just as beautiful and as hard as the diamond and costs only 90% less than the diamond.
As mentioned, although Moissanite has a heat conductivity similar to diamonds, it conducts electricity better than diamonds. This is the main difference between these stones.
The Difference Between Diamond And Moissanite
A specialist can quickly tell the difference between a moissanite and a diamond by looking at them under magnification. Moissanites may have flaws or inclusions that aren’t present in diamonds. This is what makes them different.
Other factors distinguish these two gemstones:
Color
You can also tell the difference between diamond and Moissanite by their color. Although diamonds are commonly described as bright white, this does not mean that they have all the same color.
Moissanites can come in various colors, from vibrant green to ice blue. This makes it easier to identify one if you don’t like white.
Durability
Mohs hardness scale: Mohsanites are not as hard as diamonds, but they are very close. Mohs hardness scale ranks Moissanite at 9-9.25, second to diamond.
Their durability is, therefore, different from diamond, but only slightly.
Cost
Moissanites can be cheaper than diamonds but still have a high price. A Moissanite 0.25 carat will cost you around $250, while a similar-sized diamond stone can be purchased for approximately $800, depending on its origin and quality.
Brilliance
Moissanites have a fire that makes them more brilliant than diamonds. Fire is used to describe the rainbow-colored flashes when a jewel catches the light.
These are some additional differences between diamonds and Moissanite:
- Diamonds are more durable than Moissanite. This affects their reaction to a diamond tester. For example, Moissanite will scratch if rubbed under the same pressure as diamonds.
- Moissanites react differently to outside factors than diamonds, such as temperature and humidity. Diamonds can also show signs of dehydration if they are exposed to high temperatures or high humidity for extended periods.
- Moissanite will dehydrate much quicker if exposed to the same conditions as before – in minutes, hours instead of days, or even weeks.
- Moissanites have lower indices than diamonds, so they may be lighter than expected. This could make them pass the initial inspection but fail the test.
- Moissanite is more likely than diamond to pass its initial inspection, but it will fail any extended testing or rigorous conditions.
How Does a Diamond Tester Work?
A trained professional can often identify Moissanite by its unique fire. This isn’t a scientific method, and professional equipment will be required to distinguish between a diamond and Moissanite.
A diamond tester is a solution. A diamond tester was first introduced to the jewelry industry to help determine natural diamonds from fake diamonds.
It is used to measure the heat conductivity of gemstones. This characteristic can differentiate diamonds from imitation diamonds and other gemstones, as diamonds are excellent heat conductors. The tester can determine if the stone is a genuine diamond by looking at how heat flows through it.
Does Moissanite Pass Diamond Tester? Why?
The diamond tester is the most commonly used gemological equipment to test diamonds. However, it is not the best option for moissanite testing because it only detects the gemstone’s electrical conductivity.
The tester would not distinguish between Moissanite and diamonds or other gemstones such as cubic zirconia. This means that the tester can’t tell Moissanite apart from diamonds and that Moissanite passes diamond’s thermal tests.
You may be wondering why. You might be wondering why? Some diamond testers have been incorrectly calibrated, and in many cases, there will be a distinction.
Despite all of their imperfections, gemologists and jewelers still use the diamond testers. A second tool is also needed to distinguish the two gemstones.
Moissanite is a mixture of diamonds and Moissanite. However, this difference can only be detected using specialized equipment.
It is recommended to have your sample tested with both a Moissanite Tester and a Diamond Tester to test for Moissanite and diamond.
Multi-tester (Moissanite/Diamond) tester has the advantage of detecting any slight changes in the thermal conductivity and electrical conductivity. Although the tester is costly, you can expect accurate results.
Other Methods to Test Your Moissanite
Even if you don’t own the multi-tester or the moissanite tester, it’s still essential to confirm the identity of the gem you are purchasing.
There are many ways to test for Moissanite. Here are some other practical and alternative ways to test for Moissanite:
Double Refraction
Double refraction is a sign that the jeweler’s eye can see through the loupe. Double refraction occurs when light travels through specific stones and is either slowed down, bent, or split in two.
This quality can be easily seen with trained eyes and even under a 10X magnification lens. But only if you are aware of what you should be looking for.
Double refraction will cause the light’s lines to blur and multiply through the facets. Diamonds can be seen as one clear and sharp line through the stone rather than blurred lines.
However, the Moissanite was intentionally cut; it is not double-refractive when viewed from the top/ table. This effect can only be seen on the sides or through the crown facets.
These properties are also found in other stones, such as the sapphire and tourmaline, which means that you will need to have more precise numbers to distinguish Moissanite from diamonds.
The refractive index of Moissanite has 2.63, while the diamonds is 2.42.
Conclusion
The conclusion on whether Moissanite passes diamond tester or not is still inconclusive. Some say that the testers are not calibrated to identify Moissanite, while others argue that Moissanite produces a different reading on the testers. Anyway, you need to make sure that your ring is diamond; it is not Moissanite.
Do you know the way to clean your diamond? if not yet, let’s check out our guide right now:
How To Clean Diamond Jewelry 2023: The Complete Guide
