Moissanite has become a popular gemstone choice due to its dazzling brilliance, durability, and affordability compared to diamonds. However, because moissanite closely resembles diamonds, it’s essential for buyers to know how to identify a genuine moissanite stone and avoid fakes or lower-quality imitations. Whether you’re shopping for an engagement ring or fine jewelry, these key tips will help you spot a real moissanite with confidence.
1. Understand What Moissanite Is
Before diving into identification, it’s important to know that moissanite is a lab-created gemstone made of silicon carbide. It’s naturally rare but synthetic moissanite is widely available. Genuine moissanite has unique optical properties that distinguish it from diamonds and other simulants.
2. Look for Exceptional Brilliance and Fire
Moissanite exhibits more brilliance (white sparkle) and fire (colorful flashes) than diamonds. Under bright light, a moissanite stone tends to sparkle with rainbow-like flashes due to its high refractive index (2.65–2.69). This intense sparkle is a good first clue that you may be looking at moissanite.
3. Check the Hardness
Moissanite ranks 9.25 on the Mohs hardness scale—almost as hard as diamonds (which score 10). While this makes it very durable, it can still be scratched by diamonds or other harder materials. If the stone scratches easily, it’s unlikely to be genuine moissanite.
4. Use a Moissanite Tester
A moissanite tester is a handheld device designed to differentiate moissanite from diamonds by measuring thermal or electrical conductivity. These testers are affordable and widely available, making them one of the most reliable ways to confirm authenticity.
5. Observe the Stone Under Magnification
Using a jeweler’s loupe or microscope, examine the stone closely. Moissanite typically shows double refraction, meaning you might see doubled facets or a doubled back facet edge when looking through the stone. Diamonds do not display this effect.
6. Look for Laser Inscriptions
Some reputable moissanite manufacturers laser-inscribe their stones with identifying marks on the girdle (the thin outer edge). Ask the seller if the stone has a certificate or inscription to confirm authenticity.
7. Examine the Price
If the price seems too good to be true for what looks like a diamond-quality stone, it may be moissanite or a synthetic simulant. Genuine moissanite is more affordable than diamonds but still commands a fair price due to its quality.
8. Buy from Trusted Sellers
Purchasing moissanite from established jewelers or brands with positive reviews ensures you get genuine stones. Trusted sellers typically provide certificates of authenticity and offer return policies.
9. Compare Side by Side with a Diamond
If possible, compare the suspected moissanite with a real diamond under the same lighting conditions. Moissanite’s colorful flashes and slightly different brilliance make it distinguishable to trained eyes.
Conclusion: Shop Smart and Shine Bright with Real Moissanite
Knowing how to spot a real moissanite stone empowers you to make confident purchases and enjoy the beauty of this extraordinary gemstone. By observing its unique sparkle, using testing tools, and buying from reputable sources, you can avoid fakes and choose genuine moissanite that offers exceptional brilliance, durability, and value. Whether for an engagement ring or everyday jewelry, authentic moissanite is a smart, stunning choice.
