Identifying Moissanite Diamonds: Key Features to Spot the Real Deal
Moissanite diamonds have gained popularity in recent years due to their stunning beauty and affordability. These gemstones, which are made from silicon carbide, have a brilliance and fire that rivals that of diamonds. However, it is crucial to be able to distinguish between moissanite and diamonds to ensure you are getting the genuine article. In this article, we will explore the key features that can help you identify moissanite diamonds with accuracy.
Brilliance and Fire
One of the most distinct features of moissanite diamonds is their exceptional brilliance and fire. This refers to the way they reflect light and produce a dazzling sparkle. Moissanite has a higher refractive index compared to diamonds, meaning it bends and reflects light differently. As a result, moissanite diamonds tend to exhibit more rainbow-like flashes of colors, known as fire, when exposed to light. Diamonds, on the other hand, tend to reflect white light more intensely, giving them a classic, brilliant sparkle.
Double Refraction
Another distinguishing characteristic of moissanite diamonds is their double refraction. When you look through the stone, you may notice a doubling effect on certain facets. This phenomenon occurs because moissanite has a crystal structure that causes light to split into two rays as it passes through the stone. On the other hand, diamonds have a single refraction and do not exhibit this doubling effect. If you observe a doubling of facets when inspecting a gemstone, it is likely a moissanite diamond.
Color
Color is an essential aspect to consider when identifying moissanite diamonds. While diamonds come in a range of colors, including white, yellow, and even rare fancy colors, moissanite typically has a near-colorless or colorless appearance. However, some moissanite stones may exhibit a slight yellow or green hue under certain lighting conditions. It is important to note that the color of a moissanite diamond can vary depending on its quality and the specific brand. Comparing the color of a suspected moissanite diamond to a known diamond can help you determine its authenticity.
Hardness
The hardness of a gemstone is measured on the Mohs scale, which ranges from 1 (softest) to 10 (hardest). Diamonds are the hardest known mineral and score a perfect 10 on the Mohs scale, while moissanite ranks at 9.25. This slight difference in hardness can be used as a clue to distinguish between the two gemstones. If you suspect a stone to be a moissanite diamond, you can perform a scratch test by attempting to scratch it with a diamond or other known hard material. If the stone is scratched easily, it is likely not a diamond.
Moissanite Diamonds: Key Features for Genuine Identification
In conclusion, identifying moissanite diamonds requires careful observation of key features. The exceptional brilliance and fire, double refraction, color, and hardness are important factors to consider when distinguishing moissanite from diamonds. By familiarizing yourself with these characteristics, you can confidently spot the real deal and ensure that you are investing in a genuine moissanite diamond. So the next time you come across a sparkling gemstone, remember to look out for these key features to make an accurate identification.