What Is Moissanite? Everything You Need to Know About This High-Sparkle Gemstone

If you’ve been searching things like “Is moissanite real?”, “Does moissanite pass a diamond tester?”, or “Is moissanite good for body jewelry?” — this guide breaks it all down.

Moissanite has become one of the fastest-growing stones in fine jewelry, and for good reason. It offers extreme brilliance, impressive durability, and a more ethical production process than many mined gemstones.

Here’s everything you should know.

What Is Moissanite?

Moissanite is a gemstone made of silicon carbide (SiC).

It was first discovered in 1893 by French chemist Henri Moissan inside a meteor crater. At first, he believed he had found diamonds — but the crystals were later identified as an entirely different mineral.

Natural moissanite is extremely rare. The stones used in jewelry today are lab-created, which allows for high clarity, controlled quality, and ethical sourcing.

Moissanite is not:

• Cubic zirconia

• A diamond simulant made of glass

• A coated stone

It is its own mineral with its own physical properties.

Is Moissanite a Real Gemstone?

Yes. Moissanite is a real gemstone with a defined chemical structure (silicon carbide) and measurable optical properties.

While it is lab-created for jewelry use, that does not make it “fake.” Many high-end gemstones today — including lab diamonds — are grown in controlled environments.

Moissanite has been used in fine jewelry for decades and is widely accepted in the industry.

Why Is Moissanite So Sparkly?

Moissanite is known for its intense brilliance and “fire.”

Here’s why:

• Refractive Index: 2.65–2.69

• Diamond Refractive Index: 2.42

A higher refractive index means the stone bends light more dramatically, creating stronger sparkle.

Moissanite also has:

• Higher dispersion (rainbow flashes) than diamond

• Strong light return in low-light environments

This makes it especially eye-catching in smaller sizes, which is why it’s become popular in minimalist and body jewelry.

Is Moissanite Durable?

Yes. Moissanite ranks 9.25 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it one of the hardest gemstones used in jewelry.

For comparison:

• Diamond: 10

• Sapphire/Ruby: 9

• Moissanite: 9.25

What this means in practical terms:

• It resists scratches from daily wear

• It doesn’t cloud or fade

• It holds up well in nose rings, earrings, and body jewelry

For healed piercings and everyday pieces, durability matters — especially in areas exposed to friction.

Does Moissanite Pass a Diamond Tester?

Sometimes.

Basic thermal diamond testers often register moissanite as diamond because both stones conduct heat well. However, advanced testers can distinguish between the two.

Professionally, moissanite can be identified by:

• Its double refraction (seen under magnification)

• Its stronger rainbow dispersion

• Specialized testing equipment

It is not a diamond — but it performs similarly in many ways.

Does Moissanite Get Cloudy Over Time?

No.

High-quality moissanite does not become cloudy or dull with wear. Unlike cubic zirconia, it does not rely on coatings that wear off.

As long as the stone is kept clean (removing oils and buildup), it will maintain its brilliance long term.

Is Moissanite Ethical?

Because moissanite used in jewelry is lab-created, it avoids:

• Mining-related environmental disruption

• Conflict sourcing concerns

• Large-scale earth excavation

Lab creation also allows for consistent grading and fewer inclusions.

For many buyers, this makes moissanite a more sustainable alternative to traditionally mined stones.

Moissanite vs Diamond: What’s the Difference?

Here’s a quick comparison:

Visually, moissanite often appears slightly more fiery due to its higher dispersion.

Is Moissanite Good for Body Jewelry?

Moissanite works well in body jewelry for healed piercings because:

• It’s hard and scratch-resistant

• It maintains brilliance in small sizes

• It performs well under daily wear

• It offers high sparkle without diamond pricing

For areas like:

• Navel piercings

• Nose studs

• Cartilage and helix

• Lip jewelry

— sparkle and durability both matter.

(If you're exploring options, you can browse our moissanite body jewelry collection here.)

Who Should Choose Moissanite?

Moissanite may be right for you if you:

• Want maximum sparkle

• Prefer lab-created gemstones

• Want a durable stone for everyday wear

• Like the look of diamonds but want stronger fire

• Are building a curated ear or luxury body jewelry stack

Final Thoughts

Moissanite isn’t a trend — it’s a high-performance gemstone with measurable optical and physical advantages.

It offers:

• Exceptional brilliance

• Strong durability

• Ethical production

• Long-term wearability

Whether you’re shopping for fine rings or elevated body jewelry, understanding the properties of moissanite helps you make an informed decision.

If you’re curious how it looks in modern body jewelry settings, you can explore our collection for real-life examples of how this stone performs outside of traditional Cubic Zirconia!