Moissanite Guide

MOISSANITE GUIDE

Moissanite is a brilliant gemstone known for its exceptional sparkle, impressive durability, and distinctive character.

At DELLUMIA, we believe moissanite deserves to be appreciated as a gemstone in its own right — not simply as an alternative to diamond. Its remarkable brilliance, colorful fire, and durability make it especially well suited to jewelry designed to be worn and enjoyed every day.

WHAT IS MOISSANITE?

Moissanite is a gemstone made of silicon carbide, also known as SiC.

Although it can have a bright, clear appearance that may resemble a diamond at first glance, moissanite is an entirely different gemstone with its own chemical composition, optical properties, and visual character.

Natural moissanite is extremely rare. The moissanite used in modern jewelry is typically created in controlled laboratory environments and then carefully cut and polished for jewelry.

THE STORY OF MOISSANITE

Natural silicon carbide was identified by French scientist Henri Moissan in material from the Canyon Diablo meteorite.

The mineral was later named moissanite in his honor.

Because naturally occurring moissanite is exceptionally rare, the gemstones used in jewelry today are generally lab-created rather than sourced from natural deposits.

BRILLIANCE & FIRE

One of the defining qualities of moissanite is the way it interacts with light.

Brilliance refers to the white light reflected from a gemstone.

Fire refers to the flashes of spectral color created when light is separated into different colors.

Moissanite is especially known for its strong brilliance and colorful fire, producing flashes of light that can appear blue, green, yellow, red, and other colors as the stone moves.

This distinctive light performance gives moissanite its vibrant, eye-catching sparkle.

BUILT FOR EVERYDAY WEAR

Moissanite measures approximately 9.25 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness.

That makes it one of the harder gemstones commonly used in jewelry and particularly well suited to rings and other pieces designed for frequent wear.

Its durability is one of the reasons moissanite has become such a popular choice for everyday jewelry.

As with any gemstone, proper care is still important. Avoid unnecessary impact, harsh chemicals, and situations that could damage the stone or its setting.

MOISSANITE VS DIAMOND

Moissanite and diamond can both offer exceptional brilliance, but they are fundamentally different gemstones.

Diamond is composed primarily of carbon.

Moissanite is composed of silicon carbide.

Diamond ranks 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, while moissanite ranks approximately 9.25.

Both are highly durable, but their light performance is different.

Moissanite typically displays stronger colorful fire, while diamond generally produces a different balance of brilliance and fire.

Neither stone needs to be considered a substitute for the other. The right choice depends on the appearance, sparkle, character, and price point that feel right for you.

MOISSANITE VS LAB-GROWN DIAMOND

A lab-grown diamond is still a diamond.

It is grown in a controlled environment rather than formed naturally underground, but it has essentially the same chemical composition and crystal structure as a natural diamond.

Moissanite is a completely different gemstone.

Natural Diamond = Diamond

Lab-Grown Diamond = Diamond

Moissanite = Silicon Carbide Gemstone

Each offers its own look and characteristics.

SHAPES & STYLES

Moissanite can be cut into many of the shapes commonly seen in fine jewelry.

Popular shapes include:

Round
Oval
Pear
Emerald
Cushion
Marquise

Each shape creates a different visual effect.

Round cuts are known for classic symmetry and strong sparkle.

Oval cuts create an elongated, elegant appearance.

Pear shapes combine soft curves with a distinctive pointed tip.

Emerald cuts offer a more structured and sophisticated look.

Cushion cuts feature softer corners and a romantic silhouette.

Marquise cuts create a dramatic, elongated appearance.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT SIZE

Moissanite stones are often described using their dimensions in millimeters or by diamond-equivalent appearance.

The right size depends on more than a single number.

Consider the shape of the stone, the setting, your finger size, the proportions of the design, and whether you prefer a delicate or more statement look.

Two stones with similar measurements can look very different depending on their shape and setting.

For exact stone dimensions, please refer to the Materials & Details section on each product page.

DOES MOISSANITE GET CLOUDY?

Moissanite does not normally become permanently cloudy simply because it gets older.

However, everyday oils, lotions, cosmetics, soap residue, and dirt can accumulate on the surface of the stone and around the setting.

This buildup may temporarily reduce its visible sparkle.

Regular, gentle cleaning can help maintain its brilliance.

CARING FOR MOISSANITE

Moissanite is highly durable, but good care helps both the gemstone and the surrounding jewelry maintain their appearance over time.

Gently wipe your jewelry with a soft cloth after wear to help remove everyday oils and residue.

Avoid harsh chemicals, abrasive cleaners, and aggressive cleaning methods, particularly when the jewelry includes plated or delicate metal finishes.

Always consider the care requirements of the entire piece, including the metal, plating, prongs, and setting — not only the gemstone.

WHY DELLUMIA MOISSANITE?

Selected DELLUMIA designs feature premium moissanite, carefully chosen for its exceptional brilliance, refined appearance, and remarkable durability.

Known for its ability to capture and reflect light with extraordinary intensity, moissanite delivers a distinctive sparkle and fire that gives each piece a luminous, elevated presence.

With a hardness of approximately 9.25 on the Mohs scale, moissanite is exceptionally durable and well suited for jewelry designed to be worn and enjoyed every day.

At DELLUMIA, we see moissanite as a gemstone beautiful in its own right — modern, sophisticated, and made to shine with you.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

IS MOISSANITE A REAL GEMSTONE?

Yes. Moissanite is a gemstone composed of silicon carbide. Natural moissanite is extremely rare, while the moissanite commonly used in jewelry today is generally lab-created.

IS MOISSANITE A DIAMOND?

No. Moissanite is not a diamond.

Diamond consists primarily of carbon, while moissanite is silicon carbide.

IS MOISSANITE LAB-CREATED?

The moissanite commonly used in modern jewelry is lab-created because naturally occurring moissanite is exceptionally rare.

IS MOISSANITE DURABLE?

Yes. Moissanite ranks approximately 9.25 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it one of the harder gemstones used in jewelry.

CAN MOISSANITE BE WORN EVERY DAY?

Its hardness and durability make moissanite well suited for frequent wear.

As with all jewelry, proper care of both the gemstone and its setting is important.

DOES MOISSANITE SPARKLE MORE THAN A DIAMOND?

Moissanite displays very strong brilliance and more noticeable colorful fire than diamond.

This can create a more rainbow-like sparkle, particularly under bright lighting.

HOW LONG DOES MOISSANITE LAST?

Moissanite is a highly durable gemstone suitable for long-term wear when properly cared for.

The longevity of the complete jewelry piece also depends on its metal, setting, construction, and maintenance.

A GEMSTONE WITH ITS OWN CHARACTER

Moissanite is more than simply a gemstone that resembles a diamond.

It has its own composition, history, brilliance, durability, and visual character.

For those drawn to exceptional sparkle, refined design, and jewelry made to become part of everyday life, moissanite offers something distinctly its own.

Explore DELLUMIA Moissanite Jewelry and discover a piece made to shine with you.