A spectrum of faceted colored moissanite gemstones

The gemstone guide

Why moissanite?

Distinctive fire, high scratch resistance and an optical character that becomes even more expressive through color.

A gemstone in its own right

Brilliance with a different energy

Jewelry-grade moissanite is laboratory-created silicon carbide. It is not diamond, and it does not need to be. Moissanite has its own crystal structure, light behavior and recognizable rainbow fire.

9.25 Mohs

Highly resistant to scratching and well suited to frequent wear when the setting and metal are cared for sensibly.

0.104 dispersion

Strong spectral fire produces vivid flashes that can feel especially lively in colored stones.

Silicon carbide

A composition distinct from diamond, with its own optical identity and double-refraction characteristics.

Gemological figures reference GIA research on synthetic moissanite.

A useful comparison

Different materials. Different light.

Moissanite and diamond can both look bright and wear beautifully, but they are not the same gemstone. The most useful comparison is based on measurable material properties, not on a promise that one must be “better.”

Illustrative side-profile comparison of two clear faceted gemstones
Illustrative visual. Apparent size, brightness and fire vary with cut, lighting and the individual stone.

Moissanite

Distinctive spectral fire

Composition
Lab-created silicon carbide
Refractive index
2.648–2.691
Dispersion
0.104
Mohs hardness
9.25

Diamond

Crisp white brilliance

Composition
Carbon
Refractive index
2.417
Dispersion
0.044
Mohs hardness
10

Material figures reference GIA's comparative gemological data. Values describe the materials generally and are not a color or clarity grade for an individual product.

Round brilliant gemstone held in tweezers with an arrow-like facet pattern

Round brilliant symmetry

What “hearts and arrows” means

A hearts-and-arrows pattern may appear in some carefully aligned round brilliant stones when viewed with specialized equipment: arrow-like reflections face-up and heart-like reflections from the pavilion.

The pattern describes optical symmetry. It is not, by itself, a universal “perfect cut” grade, and it does not apply to every stone shape. Review the details for the specific PRISMA style you are considering.

What color adds

Color turns light performance into personal expression. Pink can feel soft or electric; blue and aqua can read cool and calm; green feels fresh; champagne adds warmth; purple brings depth; red and yellow feel energetic. Stone color can shift slightly with lighting, viewing angle and screen settings.

Choose with your eyes open

  • Review every image for the product and color you are considering.
  • Compare the stated carat or size information on the product page rather than relying on photographs alone.
  • Expect rainbow fire and a visual personality that is not identical to diamond.
  • If a specific color-treatment method matters to you, contact us before ordering so we can confirm the available information for that style.