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Moissanite and Zircon are considered as alternatives for diamonds, but this two are entirely different items and cannot be compared in all aspects. For most of us, it is challenging to distinguish moissanite and cubic zirconia from appearance alone.

Today you will learn three essential aspects from this article below:

• Five differences in detail between loose moissanite and cubic zirconia
• Identification method at home
• Which is better: cubic zirconia or moissanite?

Believe me, after reading this article, and you will have a comprehensive understanding and ability to distinguish between moissanite and zircon. Which one to choose? you will get the answer at the end.

Five Differences In Detail Between Loose Moissanite And Cubic Zirconia

1. History of Source

Source of Loose Moissanite

Natural moissanite was first discovered on meteorites from outer space. Its main component is silicon carbide, and its color is mostly dark green and black.

In 1894, Dr. Henri Moissan, a French Nobel laureate, discovered a carbon-silicon bonded particle unusually bright from a meteorite that fell in Arizona. The surface of the substance resembled a diamond, but there is no such component on the earth. Hence scientists began to research and confirm that the composition of moissanite is Sic (carborundum).

So utterly natural moissanite can only appear around the pit, even rarer than diamonds.

Source of Zircon

Zircon is a natural mineral. On January 11, 2001, Scientists extracted micro zircon crystals from a stone on a sheep farm in the Jack Mountain area of ​​​​Western Australia. After testing and confirmation, micro zircon crystals have experienced 4.4 billion years and are one of the oldest parts of the Earth’s crust. The first official use of “Zircon” was in 1783 to describe green zircon crystals from Sri Lanka.

2. Chemical composition

Moissanite, which is lab created, is called Synthetic Moissanite. Its chemical composition is silicon carbide, also called carborundum, which belongs to the hexagonal crystal system. 

The growth of loose moissanite stones:

The production of loose moissanite stone is to place the silicon carbide powder in an environment of 2500 ° C. The silicon carbide powder is sublimated into a high-temperature form of argon gas at an extremely high temperature. It becomes a flaky crystal, and gemstone crystals will grow within a few weeks.

3. Physical Indications

The Mohs scale of synthetic moissanite is 9.25, which is second only to diamond hardness (Mohs scale: 10). With this good hardness, moissanite can scratch glass, and only diamonds can scratch moissanite.

The Mohs scale of Zircon is 7.5~8. When wearing it, you need to take care and avoid slamming and collision.

Below compare the Density and Luster and Transparency:

	Loose moissanite	Cubic Zirconia
Density	3.218 – 3.22g/cm³	3.9-4.73g/cm³
Luster	Glass;  submetallic luster	Glass to diamond luster;  fracture oil luster
Transparency	Transparent to Opaque	Transparent to Opaque

4. Fire & Brilliance

In terms of dispersion value, natural diamond is 0.044, and loose Moissanite is 0.104; in refraction, natural diamond is 2.417, and Moissanite is 2.65. For both the dispersion value and refraction, loose moissanites stone is better than natural diamond. Because lab-grown diamonds are the same as natural diamonds, loose moissanite stones for dispersion value and refraction are better than lab-grown diamonds.

Moissanite’s brightness and refractive index are higher than that of diamonds, and loose moissanite gemstone is the brightest gemstone in the world. The fire and brilliance of Moissanite are the best among gemstones. Tested under professional instruments, the fire & brilliance of Moissanite is 2.5 times that of the diamond.

The dispersion index of cubic zirconia is 0.058 to 0.066, which is higher than that of diamonds. But its refractive index is 2.15 to 2.18, and its surface has diamond luster.

5. Price

Compared with natural diamonds and lab-grown diamonds, the price of moissanite is lovely, but it is more than ten times the price of zircon. At present, zircon is mainly used in some cheap jewelry. With the advantage of cost-effective and shiny fire & brilliance, Moissanite is a relatively high-level diamond alternative.

More and more people choose moissanite jewelry as engagement rings and necklaces. Moissanite is also very popular used hip-hop jewelry, such as moissanite tennis bracelets, and moissanite Cuban chains bracelet.

Identification method at home

For most of us, is there any simple and easy way to distinguish moissanite from Zircon? Today I will share four ways that you can use at home.

—Use the naked eye indoors

Zircon: Zircon is not colourless; it will have a little bit of blue light, a slightly bluish

Moissanite: Moissanite is colourless and shiny.

—Use a newspaper 

The RI (Refractive index) of loose moissanite stone is 2.56-2.69, but the RI of Zircon is 1.92-1.98. When you put a Zircon on the newspaper with words, we can see the word traces underneath from the top. But through moissanite stone, we cannot see anything.

— Use a microscope

The hardness of Zircon is low, so the cutting edges and corners are not very sharp, and the foot part may be damaged. But with good hardness, the cut moissanite will not be damaged, and we can find double broken lines. 

—Use a drilled pen

Put the drill pen on the Zircon, there is no response, but moissanite can successfully pass the test of the drill pen. It must be reminded here that a fake moissanite coats a layer of film on the surface of Zircon. Such Zircon can be inspected with a drilled pen. So selecting a reliable moissanite supplier is vital to ensure customers’ interests.

Which is better: cubic zirconia or moissanite?

Because of its high hardness, loose moissanite stone has a better refractive index and fire & brilliance than diamonds. It is a perfect alternative for diamonds. You don’t have to worry about the wear and tear caused by daily wear. Normal wear can keep Moissanite’s brightness, clarity, Fire & Brilliance.

Although cubic zirconia is also an alternative for diamonds, due to its low hardness, cubic zirconia is prone to scratches. It will lose its lustre after being worn for some time. Currently, cubic zirconia is generally used for relatively cheap jewelry. If wearing cubic zirconia jewelry, you need to replace it frequently.

Conclusion

Above this is the entire contents for a complete guide between Moissanite and cubic zirconia. I trust you must know all the details. If you have any questions about loose Moissanite and moissanite jewelry, please click the button at the lower right corner or leave your connection to us; we will give you feedback within 24 hours.