Moissanite diamonds are becoming increasingly popular as an alternative to traditional diamonds. These beautiful gemstones are nearly as hard as diamonds and have a brilliance that rivals even the most exquisite diamond. If you’re considering purchasing a moissanite diamond, it’s important to know how to identify them to ensure you’re getting what you pay for. In this quick guide, we’ll go over some key characteristics to look for when identifying moissanite diamonds.
### Moissanite Diamonds 101: Quick Identification
Moissanite diamonds are actually not diamonds at all, but rather a gemstone made of silicon carbide. They are known for their high refractive index, which gives them a stunning sparkle that is often compared to diamonds. One of the most important things to note about moissanite diamonds is that they are typically less expensive than traditional diamonds, making them a more affordable option for those looking for a beautiful and durable gemstone.
### Brilliance and Fire
One of the key characteristics of moissanite diamonds is their brilliance and fire. Moissanite diamonds have a higher refractive index than diamonds, which means they reflect light more effectively and give off a stunning sparkle. When compared to diamonds, moissanite diamonds tend to have more fire, or flashes of colored light, which can help you distinguish between the two gemstones.
### Color
Moissanite diamonds are typically colorless or near-colorless, similar to diamonds. However, some moissanite diamonds may have a slight green or yellow tint, especially in larger sizes. When identifying moissanite diamonds, it’s important to look for a consistent color throughout the gemstone, as well as any hints of green or yellow that may indicate it is not a traditional diamond.
### Hardness
Moissanite diamonds are nearly as hard as diamonds, ranking at 9.25 on the Mohs scale of hardness compared to a diamond’s perfect 10. This means that moissanite diamonds are extremely durable and resistant to scratching, making them an excellent choice for everyday wear. When identifying moissanite diamonds, you can perform a scratch test with a diamond or a material with a hardness of 10 to see if the gemstone shows any signs of scratching.
### Double Refraction
One of the unique characteristics of moissanite diamonds is their double refraction, which means that light is split into two rays as it passes through the gemstone. This can create a doubling effect when viewing the gemstone under magnification, which is not typically seen in traditional diamonds. By examining the gemstone under a jeweler’s loupe or microscope, you can look for this double refraction effect to help identify moissanite diamonds.
In conclusion, identifying moissanite diamonds can be a fun and rewarding process. By looking for key characteristics such as brilliance, fire, color, hardness, and double refraction, you can confidently distinguish between moissanite diamonds and traditional diamonds. Remember to always purchase from a reputable jeweler and ask for certification to ensure you’re getting a genuine moissanite diamond. With this quick guide, you’ll be well-equipped to identify and appreciate the beauty of moissanite diamonds.