What Is Moissanite? Everything You Need to Know

April 16, 2026

What Is Moissanite? Everything You Need to Know

If you've been shopping for jewellery lately, you've probably come across the word "moissanite" — and wondered what on earth it actually is. Is it a diamond alternative? A fake stone? Something from outer space?

The answer is fascinating. Let us break it down.

What Is Moissanite?

Moissanite is a gemstone made from silicon carbide. It was first discovered in 1893 by French scientist Henri Moissan inside a meteor crater in Arizona. When he first found the crystals, he actually thought they were diamonds — that's how stunning they looked.

Because naturally occurring moissanite is incredibly rare (it's found in meteorites and some types of rocks deep in the Earth), the moissanite used in jewellery today is created in a laboratory. This doesn't make it "fake" — it has exactly the same chemical and physical properties as natural moissanite. Think of it like lab-grown diamonds: same stone, made differently.

How Does Moissanite Compare to a Diamond in Appearance?

This is the question everyone asks — and the honest answer is: moissanite is stunning in its own right.

Moissanite actually has a higher refractive index than diamonds, meaning it bends and reflects light more intensely. In practical terms, this means moissanite sparkles more than a diamond. It produces a rainbow-like "fire" — that colourful flash you see when light hits the stone. Some people love this; others prefer the white sparkle of a diamond. It comes down to personal taste.

Both stones are colourless (or near-colourless) at the highest grades, and to the untrained eye, they look nearly identical.

How Hard Is Moissanite? Is It Durable?

Hardness matters for jewellery because it determines how resistant a stone is to everyday scratches. Moissanite rates 9.25 on the Mohs hardness scale — the second hardest gemstone in the world, behind only diamond (which scores 10).

This means moissanite is extremely durable and well-suited for everyday wear, including rings, necklaces, and earrings that you don't want to remove every night.

Is Moissanite an Ethical Choice?

Yes — and this is one of the biggest reasons people are falling in love with moissanite.

Lab-created moissanite requires no mining, which means no environmental destruction, no conflict zones, and no unethical supply chains. For shoppers who care about where their jewellery comes from, moissanite is one of the most responsible choices available.

How Much Does Moissanite Cost Compared to a Diamond?

This is where moissanite becomes genuinely exciting. A moissanite stone of equivalent size to a diamond can cost 80–90% less. A diamond that would cost $5,000 AUD? A comparable moissanite might be $400–600 AUD.

This allows you to choose a bigger, more impressive stone — or simply save your money for other things — without compromising on beauty or quality.

At Byrall Jewellery, all of our moissanite pieces are set in 925 sterling silver and finished to the highest standard, so you get luxury jewellery at a price that makes sense.

Is Moissanite the Right Choice for You?

If you want a stone that:
– Sparkles brilliantly every day
– Is nearly as hard as a diamond
– Is ethically produced with no mining
– Costs a fraction of what a diamond would
– Looks stunning in rings, necklaces, and earrings

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