Moissanite, lab-grown diamond and cubic zirconia (CZ) can all look like a diamond at first glance, but they are very different stones. Here is how they compare so you can choose the right one for your budget.
The quick comparison
| Moissanite | Lab-grown diamond | Cubic zirconia | |
|---|---|---|---|
| What it is | Lab-created silicon carbide | Real diamond (carbon) grown in a lab | Synthetic zirconium dioxide |
| Hardness (Mohs) | 9.25 | 10 | About 8 to 8.5 |
| Sparkle | Most fire: strong rainbow flashes | Classic white brilliance | Bright when new, softer over time |
| Durability | Excellent for daily wear | Excellent for daily wear | Scratches and clouds with wear |
| Price | Low to mid | Mid to high | Lowest |
Moissanite vs lab-grown diamond
A lab-grown diamond is a real diamond, chemically and physically the same as a mined one, just created in a lab. Moissanite is a different gemstone. Lab diamonds are slightly harder (10 vs 9.25) and have the classic white diamond look; moissanite has more fire, meaning more colorful flashes, and usually costs less than a lab diamond of the same size. If you want a true diamond, choose lab-grown. If you want maximum sparkle and a bigger stone for the budget, moissanite is hard to beat.
Moissanite vs cubic zirconia
Cubic zirconia is the cheapest diamond look-alike. It is softer than moissanite, so it scratches more easily, and over time it can look cloudy. Moissanite is much harder and keeps its brilliance for years, which is why it is used for engagement rings and everyday pieces while CZ is usually found in fashion jewelry.
Which should you choose?
- Engagement ring or everyday ring: moissanite or lab-grown diamond, both hard enough for daily wear.
- Biggest look for the budget: moissanite.
- Must be a diamond: lab-grown diamond.
- Occasional fashion pieces: cubic zirconia.
New to moissanite? Start with what is moissanite or moissanite vs. diamond.
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