With moissanite and diamond, it depends on what you want. Diamonds are probably the best. However, you might change your mind after learning about moissanite. So, what is moissanite? Until you get an answer to this question, you may not know what to pick. You will realize that there is no one-choice-fits-all. It is all about what you are looking for in a gemstone. 

We all know diamonds. They have been around for the longest time. However, their supply is not sustainable because they are sourced through mining. For that reason, its supply is controlled with the push for ethical mining efforts. To counter these efforts, the search for diamond alternatives has been ongoing. That is why we have options like moissanite in the market today.

What is Moissanite and why is it special? 

Anything comparable to diamonds is interesting. Therefore, you may want to find out about moissanite before sticking to diamonds all the time. Nothing is as good as change and for that reason, finding another alternative to diamond would be a great idea. Here is what to know about moissanite: 

• History of moissanite. Henri Moissan discovered this precious gem from a meteorite in 1893. Due to its diamond-like structure and appearance, researchers were interested in studying the stone further. They found it was not pure carbon but silicon carbide. Therefore, they named it moissanite after Henri Moissan. 
• Diamond-like strength and durability. Diamond is known for its hardness and strength. Therefore, anything coming close to it of this quality is considered a great gem. On the Mohs scale of hardness, diamond scores a 10, whereas moissanite is 9.25. With this slight difference, you will expect moissanite to perform almost the same as diamond on matters to do with strength and durability. 

Just like a diamond, moissanite is hard to scratch and damage. For that reason, you do not have to worry about buying moissanite due to durability concerns. It will give you something very close to what you will find in diamonds.

• Ethical Sourcing and Eco-friendliness. The mining of diamonds is still a major cause of concern in the gemstone world. However, moissanite is lab-grown and does not involve any mining activities. Therefore, it is conflict-free and a perfect choice if you are looking for a gem that may not attract any lawsuit issues. 

Natural moissanite is hard to find. However, the possibility of making it in the laboratory makes it a sustainable solution. In that case, it does not have any detrimental effect on the environment like a diamond. 

• Value and Affordability. Natural diamonds come with great value and are precious to everyone. However, it is quite expensive. For that reason, some people may shy away from buying it. The sourcing of diamonds comes with a huge capital investment hence the high cost attached to it in the market. 

On the other hand, moissanite supply is sustainable. With improved manufacturing processes, the cost of acquiring this stone is a fraction of what it would cost to buy the same size diamond. Most importantly, moissanite gives you diamond-like qualities at a good price. 

• Moissanite's Great Sparkle. Many people know diamonds for their strength and shine. However, you will be excited to hear that moissanite has more fire and brilliance than a diamond. However, only experts can tell but then again, you would not be worried about having a great sparkle after choosing moissanite. 
• Color and Clarity. Forever One diamond is colorless. On the GIA scale of color, top-quality diamonds are grade D-E-F. On the other hand, moissanite comes in various colors from D to K grade. However, high-quality manufacturing processes have produced colorless diamond-like gemstones. Therefore, you cannot easily tell with a naked eye that what you have is not a diamond. 

Various factors go into deciding the kind of gemstone to pick for your use and application. While the decision may be quite tight between moissanite and diamond, making an informed decision is very important. 

Each gem has its strength and uniqueness. Therefore, it will help if you study both gemstones before making the final decision. Diamond will give you quality and class. However, moissanite will give you quality and good prices. If you are working on a tight budget, it doesn't have to be a diamond.