- Jewelry Identifier
- Gemstones
- Moissanite
* moissanite (silicon carbide) gemstone
Moissanite: identification, value, and how to spot a fake
Silicon carbide (SiC). Naturally extremely rare (originally found in meteorites); all jewelry moissanite is synthetic. Higher dispersion than diamond → more rainbow flash. Distinguishable from diamond by doubling visible through facet (birefringent), and by moissanite-specific testers.
Published May 30, 2026
Quick facts
- Mineral family
- moissanite (silicon carbide)
- Chemical formula
- SiC
- Mohs hardness
- 9.25
- Refractive index
- 2.648–2.691
- Specific gravity
- 3.21–3.22
- Crystal system
- hexagonal
- Luster
- adamantine
- Dispersion
- 0.104
Colors
Moissanite is found in colorless, yellow, green. The body color, its saturation, and how evenly it spreads through the stone are among the strongest drivers of value.
How to tell real from imitation
No single test settles it, but a few grounded checks quickly narrow things down for Moissanite. Hardness, brilliance, and the list of stones it is commonly confused with all give you something concrete to look for.
- Scratch resistance: genuine Moissanite sits at Mohs 9.25, so it should resist scratching from softer materials — a stone that mars far too easily is suspect.
- Brilliance & luster: Moissanite shows a adamantine luster and a refractive index of 2.648–2.691; imitations often look glassier or flatter under the same light.
- Density: a real Moissanite has a specific gravity near 3.21–3.22, so it feels heavier or lighter in the hand than many look-alikes of the same size.
- Commonly imitated by: diamond. If a deal looks too good, suspect one of these substitutes first.
- Fast first read: photograph the stone in the Jewelry Identifier app to estimate the gemstone and its likely value range, then confirm anything important with a gemological lab.
Common treatments
- none (synthetic by definition in jewelry trade)
Treatments are routine for many Moissanite stones, but they materially affect value and should always be disclosed — an untreated, lab-certified stone commands a clear premium over a treated one.
What to know about Moissanite
Silicon carbide (SiC). Naturally extremely rare (originally found in meteorites); all jewelry moissanite is synthetic. Higher dispersion than diamond → more rainbow flash. Distinguishable from diamond by doubling visible through facet (birefringent), and by moissanite-specific testers.
Sources
* Frequently asked
FAQ
- Q. Is Moissanite hard enough for everyday rings?
- A. Yes. At a Mohs hardness of 9.25, Moissanite is durable enough for daily-wear rings; it resists the scratches that everyday surfaces inflict.
- Q. How can I tell Moissanite from diamond?
- A. Moissanite and diamond can look alike to the naked eye, but they differ in measurable properties — refractive index (2.648–2.691 for Moissanite), specific gravity (3.21–3.22), and hardness (Mohs 9.25). A gemologist confirms the distinction with a refractometer and loupe; the Jewelry Identifier app gives a fast first read from a photo.
- Q. Does Moissanite come in colors other than colorless?
- A. Yes. Moissanite occurs in colorless, yellow, green. Color is driven by trace elements and treatment history, and it is one of the biggest factors in a stone's value.
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