Moissanite diamonds have become increasingly popular in recent years as a more affordable alternative to traditional diamonds. However, with the rise in popularity of moissanite, there has been a surge in the production of fake moissanite stones. To ensure that you are purchasing a real moissanite diamond, it is important to know how to spot key features for authenticity.
### What is Moissanite?
Moissanite is a naturally occurring mineral that is often used as a diamond alternative in jewelry. It is nearly as hard as diamonds and has a similar brilliance and sparkle. However, moissanite is not as expensive as diamonds, making it a popular choice for those looking for a more affordable option.
### Key Features for Instant Authenticity Checks
#### 1. Brilliance and Sparkle
One of the key features of moissanite is its incredible brilliance and sparkle. Moissanite has a higher refractive index than diamonds, which means that it reflects more light and has more sparkle. When comparing a moissanite stone to a diamond, you should notice that the moissanite has a more colorful sparkle, known as “fire.”
#### 2. Double Refraction
Another key feature of moissanite is its double refraction. When you look through a moissanite stone, you may notice double lines or facets within the stone. This is a result of the stone’s double refraction properties, which are not present in diamonds.
#### 3. Color
Moissanite diamonds are typically colorless or near-colorless. If a moissanite stone has a yellow or grey tint, it may be a fake or a lower quality stone. Authentic moissanite stones will have a clear and colorless appearance, similar to high-quality diamonds.
#### 4. Hardness
Moissanite is nearly as hard as diamonds, ranking at 9.25 on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that moissanite is very durable and resistant to scratches. To test the hardness of a suspected moissanite stone, you can try scratching it with a diamond. If the stone remains unscathed, it is likely a real moissanite diamond.
### Conclusion
By familiarizing yourself with the key features of moissanite diamonds, you can easily spot a real moissanite from a fake one. Remember to look for brilliance and sparkle, double refraction, color, and hardness when examining a moissanite stone. With these instant authenticity checks, you can confidently purchase a genuine moissanite diamond for your jewelry collection.