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The Refraction Lab
What is
Moissanite?
Moissanite is a naturally occurring silicon carbide crystal first discovered in 1893 by Nobel Prize-winning chemist Dr. Henri Moissan inside a meteor crater. Today, gem-quality Moissanite is lab-created using advanced technology, producing stones with more fire, brilliance, and luster than any mined diamond — at a fraction of the cost and environmental impact.
01
The Science of Brilliance
Moissanite's refractive index ranges from 2.65 to 2.69, significantly higher than diamond's 2.42. This means Moissanite bends light more dramatically, creating more internal reflections and a more brilliant sparkle visible to the naked eye. The double refraction property of Moissanite creates a distinctive "rainbow fire" that diamond cannot replicate.
Fire dispersion — the ability to split white light into spectral colors — measures 0.104 in Moissanite compared to just 0.044 in diamond. This 2.4x greater fire dispersion is what gives Moissanite its signature rainbow flashes, particularly visible in sunlight and candlelight.
Moissanite Outshines Diamond
Measured by refractive index, fire dispersion, and total brilliance — the three metrics that determine how much light a gemstone returns to the eye.
Moissanite
Lab-created · VVS clarity
Diamond
Mined · Earth-grown
Refractive Index
+9.5% more
baseline
Fire Dispersion
+136% more
baseline
Brilliance
+18.6% more
baseline
Moissanite produces 18% more brilliance and 136% more fire than diamond — visible to the naked eye as brighter sparkle and rainbow light dispersion.
Read the full moissanite guide02
Mohs Scale & Durability
At 9.25 on the Mohs hardness scale, Moissanite is the second hardest gemstone used in jewelry — only diamond at 10 ranks higher. This makes Moissanite exceptionally resistant to scratching, chipping, and breaking, suitable for everyday wear in engagement rings, wedding bands, and daily jewelry. For context, sapphire ranks at 9, making Moissanite harder than every precious gemstone except diamond.
Unlike softer alternatives like cubic zirconia (Mohs 8–8.5), Moissanite will not cloud, dull, or degrade over time. A Moissanite stone purchased today will look identical decades from now, maintaining its fire and brilliance for generations.
03
Moissanite vs. Diamond
The comparison between Moissanite and diamond reveals that Moissanite outperforms diamond in nearly every optical category while costing a fraction of the price. Tap through the metrics below to see how they stack up.
Moissanite reflects more light back to the eye.
| Property | Moissanite | Diamond |
|---|---|---|
| Refractive Index | 2.65 – 2.69 | 2.42 |
| Fire Dispersion | 0.104 | 0.044 |
| Hardness (Mohs) | 9.25 | 10 |
| Brilliance | 20.4% | 17.2% |
| Price per Carat | $300 – $600 | $4,000 – $20,000+ |
| Ethical Sourcing | Lab-Created | Varies |
04
Why Choose Moissanite Jewelry?
Superior Optical Performance
With 2.4x more fire dispersion and higher brilliance than diamond, Moissanite delivers an unmatched visual experience. Every facet explodes with rainbow light that catches eyes from across a room.
Ethical & Sustainable
Every Moissanite stone is lab-created, requiring no mining operations. Zero environmental disruption, no conflict sourcing, and a completely transparent supply chain from crystal growth to finished piece.
Exceptional Value
A 1-carat Moissanite costs 90% less than a comparable diamond while outperforming it optically. This allows you to choose a larger, more impressive stone without compromise.
Lifetime Durability
At 9.25 Mohs hardness, Moissanite is virtually unscratchable by everyday materials. It will never cloud, yellow, or lose its fire — guaranteed brilliance for generations.
05
Price Your Custom G-Shock
Configure your piece below for an instant quote. Select a full custom watch or a standalone bezel upgrade, choose your model, then pick your finish — all stones are VVS Moissanite, so the shine stays identical regardless of metal.
Configurator Online
Price Your Custom G-Shock
Select your configuration to generate an instant estimate.
Select Type
06
Moissanite Questions Answered
The technical questions we get asked most about the stone itself. For questions about ordering, care, and shipping, see our full FAQ.
No — they are entirely different materials. Moissanite is silicon carbide and rates 9.25 on the Mohs scale, while cubic zirconia is zirconium dioxide at roughly 8–8.5. Moissanite has nearly double the fire dispersion of CZ (0.104 vs 0.060) and will not cloud or dull with age, which is the flaw cubic zirconia is known for.