Moissanite vs. Cubic Zirconia: How to Spot the Difference

When shopping for jewellery that shines like a diamond, two popular options often come up: moissanite and cubic zirconia (CZ). At first glance, they may look similar — both are bright, clear, and affordable alternatives to diamonds. But when you look closer, there are key differences in brilliance, durability, and value.


In this guide, we’ll break down how to tell them apart and which one is the smarter choice for lasting jewellery.

 

Brilliance & Sparkle

  • Moissanite: Known for its extraordinary fire, moissanite reflects light in a rainbow effect that often outshines even diamonds. It has a higher refractive index than diamond, making it incredibly brilliant.

  • Cubic Zirconia: While CZ looks bright and clear when new, it lacks the depth of sparkle. Over time, it can appear flat and glassy compared to moissanite.

 


👉 If you want maximum sparkle that catches the eye in any light, moissanite wins.

 

Durability & Hardness

  • Moissanite: With a hardness of 9.25 on the Mohs scale, moissanite is second only to diamond. It resists scratches and can handle daily wear with ease.

  • Cubic Zirconia: Scoring only 8–8.5 on the Mohs scale, CZ is more prone to scratches, chips, and clouding over time.

 


👉 For jewellery that’s meant to last, moissanite is far more durable.

 

Longevity & Value

  • Moissanite: Maintains its brilliance and clarity for a lifetime, making it a true investment piece.

  • Cubic Zirconia: Tends to lose its sparkle within a few years and may need replacing.

 


👉 Moissanite retains both beauty and value, while CZ is usually a short-term option.

 

Price Point

  • Moissanite: More affordable than diamonds, but higher in price than CZ due to its superior quality.

  • Cubic Zirconia: Extremely inexpensive and widely available, but the trade-off is shorter lifespan and lower value.

 


👉 Think of CZ as costume jewellery, while moissanite belongs in the fine jewellery category.

 

How to Tell Them Apart

  • Look at the sparkle: Moissanite has fiery rainbow flashes; CZ has a softer, white sparkle.

  • Check for wear: CZ scratches and clouds over time, while moissanite stays clear.

  • Weight: CZ is denser and heavier than moissanite of the same size.

 

 

Final Thoughts

While both moissanite and cubic zirconia offer a diamond-like look at a fraction of the price, moissanite stands out for its brilliance, durability, and long-term value. If you’re investing in jewellery meant to last — whether it’s a ring, necklace, or pair of earrings — moissanite is the clear choice.