Brilliance and Fire

While both stones sparkle beautifully, moissanite has a higher refractive index than diamond. This means it bends light more, giving off a slightly more intense rainbow-like fire. Diamonds, on the other hand, tend to reflect a sharper, more white light.

To the untrained eye, this distinction is minimal—but to someone who appreciates nuance, it’s a detail worth noting.

Composition and Hardness

Diamonds are pure carbon, formed under intense pressure over millions of years. Moissanite is made of silicon carbide, a naturally rare mineral that’s now expertly created in labs.

On the Mohs hardness scale, diamonds rate a 10—the hardest known mineral. Moissanite comes close at 9.25, making it extremely durable and suitable for everyday wear.

Cost and Ethics

One of the most noticeable differences is price. Moissanite offers exceptional value, providing the look and feel of a diamond for a fraction of the cost.

It’s also lab-grown, meaning there’s no mining involved, making it a more ethical and environmentally conscious choice.

Clarity and Colour

Most moissanite stones are graded as colourless or near-colourless, with a clarity comparable to high-grade diamonds. At Cleo&Lune, we use D-colour, VVS1 moissanite, chosen for its purity and brilliance.

In Summary

Diamonds carry legacy and tradition. Moissanite brings innovation, accessibility, and quiet luxury. Both are beautiful in their own right—but for those seeking sparkle with substance, moissanite is a modern classic.