With near-identical brilliance, moissanite makes a compelling and affordable diamond alternative. But what accounts for moissanite’s exceptional optical performance? Analyzing and comparing its properties against diamond provides insight into its distinctive light behavior that enables such vibrant beauty.
Diamond remains the hardest mineral on the Mohs scale, rating a 10. Extremely compact crystalline structure gives diamond unmatched durability. However, moissanite also rates very high at 9.25 to 9.5, making it more scratch-resistant than other gems. This durability ensures its long-term sparkle.
Diamond has a high refractive index, enabling strong light refraction and dispersion. But moissanite’s refractive index exceeds diamond, bending light to a greater degree. This boosts moissanite’s brightness and fire.
Moissanite vs Diamond in terms of dispersion reveals even wider gaps. Diamond’s dispersion is 0.044 versus moissanite’s 0.104 – over double. This produces moissanite’s vivid rainbow flashes exceeding diamond’s fire.
In luster, moissanite and diamond are closely matched. Both take on brilliant polish for exceptional surface shine. Proper facet alignment in both maximizes light return through the top. This glow gives diamond and moissanite exceptional brilliance.
Moissanite does differ slightly from diamond in its coloration. Near-colorless grades show faint green-yellow undertones not visible in diamonds. But set in yellow or rose gold, any tint is undetectable.
With hardness rivaling diamond and dispersion dramatically exceeding it, moissanite reveals why it dazzles unlike any other gem. Advantageous light behavior propels moissanite’s brilliance into its own class. Durability and accessible pricing complete its viability as an alternative. Moissanite earns its reputation as a diamond substitute par excellence.
