Understanding Diamonds, Lab-Grown Diamonds, and Moissanites
It could be very exciting to select the perfect gemstone, but it may also be overwhelming. You will find it helpful to know about the three popular options: natural diamonds, lab-grown diamonds, and moissanite. This article is a guide to knowing their origin, properties, and the difference between them so you can choose the best.
What Are Natural Diamonds?
Natural Diamonds are stones born deep in the Earth's core under extreme temperatures and pressures for millions of years. Natural diamonds form in the Earth's mantle, some 100 miles below the surface. Carbon atoms are bonded to each other in a crystal structure called a lattice, which gives diamonds their hardness. Natural diamonds possess a perfect 10 rating on the Mohs hardness scale, and hence they are highly resistant to scratches. The colors of natural diamonds range from colorless to shades of yellow and brown; rarely blue or pink. Their value depends on cut, color, clarity, and carats (Also called 4Cs of Diamonds).
What is a Lab-Grown Diamond?
Lab-Grown Diamonds are grown inside a carefully monitored laboratory using advanced technology. Chemically and physically, they are the same as natural diamonds. The two biggest approaches used in the creation of lab-grown diamonds are High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) and Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD). Both replicate natural processes forming diamonds. Lab-created diamonds just as hard as natural diamonds. They score 10 on the Mohs scale. They are as brilliant and as clear as natural diamonds. They also come in many colors, many qualities, and are graded according to the same criteria as natural diamonds.
| Natural Diamonds | Lab Grown Diamonds | Moissanites | |
|
Hardness
|
10 on the Mohs scale | 10 on the Mohs scale | 9.25 on the Mohs scale |
| Brilliance and Fire | Known for their classic sparkle and brilliance; they are known to reflect and refract light in a highly valued way. | Display the same brilliance and fire as natural diamonds since their structure is the same. | Frequently exhibit more brilliance and fire than both natural and lab-grown diamonds because of their crystal structure. |
| Price | Generally more expensive because they are rarely formed by nature. | Typically less costly than natural diamonds of the same quality and appearance. | Generally the cheapest, offering high brilliance and durability without the hefty price tag. |
| Environmental and Ethical Considerations | Sometimes ethically questionable and cause a large amount of environmental damage. However, most are responsibly sourced now. | Generally more eco-friendly and ethically produced than mined diamonds | Lab-grown, thus less harming to the environment and little ethical concern |
| Care and Maintenance | Clean using a mild, nonabrasive cleanser with a soft-bristled brush. Store individually to prevent scratching. | Clean using a mild, nonabrasive cleanser with a soft-bristled brush. Store individually to prevent scratching. | Clean exactly like diamonds. Moissanites are durable enough to withstand most scratches but must be handled with caution. |
Knowing what really makes a natural diamond different from a lab-created one and from moissanite will help in making a decision that is truly informed. There are pluses for the various gemstones. Natural diamonds are loved due to their rarity and their timeless beauty. Lab-created diamonds have advantages over natural diamonds in terms of price and ethics but are otherwise identical. In moissanite, brilliance and value are extremely high. Knowing these differences will help you choose the gemstone that best fits your tastes and values.
