Most people’s first question about moissanite is whether it is a diamond substitute. It is not. Different stone, different chemistry, different optical properties, different origin entirely. The people who choose it are not settling. They just looked at what they were actually buying.

Moissanite is a lab-grown gemstone made from silicon carbide. Henri Moissan discovered it in 1893 in a meteorite crater in Arizona, initially mistaking it for diamond because the brilliance was that close. What he found was a new mineral, named moissanite after him. The moissanite in jewellery today is lab grown, which is how it can be produced with the consistency that jewellery requires.

The numbers that matter

The refractive index of 2.65 is higher than diamond’s 2.42. That is why moissanite produces more fire, more of the rainbow-spectrum light you see when it catches direct sunlight or warm indoor light. It is not subtle. Some people love this immediately. It helps to know your preference before you choose.

Is moissanite the same as cubic zirconia?

No. This is the most common confusion, and it is worth being clear about.

Cubic zirconia is a synthetic material with different chemistry and significantly lower hardness, around 8 to 8.5 on the Mohs scale. It begins to cloud and scratch with regular daily wear within one to two years. Moissanite sits at 9.25 Mohs and does not degrade this way. They are not the same material, not the same durability, not the same long-term result on a piece you plan to wear every day.

How does moissanite compare to diamond?

Differently, not worse.

Diamond is the hardest natural material at Mohs 10. Moissanite at 9.25 is the second hardest gemstone used in jewellery. Both are fully suitable for daily wear, including rings.

The key optical difference: diamond disperses white light, giving a bright, clean sparkle. Moissanite has a higher refractive index, giving it more fire and rainbow dispersion. Some people prefer one. Some prefer the other. Neither is wrong.

Moissanite is not trying to be diamond. It is a different stone with its own character, chosen by people who want to wear something brilliant every day without the price or the anxiety of locking it away.

Is moissanite good for daily wear?

Yes. At 9.25 on the Mohs scale, moissanite is one of the most durable gemstones available. Only diamond is harder.

Rings take the most wear. Moissanite handles this well in a quality setting. Earrings, pendants and bracelets are even lower-maintenance. A moissanite piece is designed to go everywhere you go, office, commute, destination wedding, monsoon season.

What does moissanite look like in Indian light?

Vivid. Indian natural light, especially direct afternoon sun, shows moissanite’s fire at its most distinctive. The stone throws rainbow refractions that catch people’s attention. In warm indoor light (the light of most Indian homes and restaurants), it reads as bright and clean without being overwhelming.

On Indian skin tones set against 925 sterling silver, the warm metal and the stone’s brilliance work together naturally. It looks like a deliberate, informed choice, because it is.

Moissanite at Myraé

Every stone in the Myraé collection is moissanite set in 925 sterling silver. This combination was chosen because it gives the wearer something gold jewellery rarely does: no anxiety about wearing it. No locker. No saving it for a special occasion. The piece goes on in the morning and stays on.

Three generations of jewellery-making in Ahmedabad inform how these pieces are built. The stone is new. The craft is not.

Browse the Ananya Collection for everyday pieces, or speak with our founder directly before choosing.

Frequently asked questions

Is moissanite a real gemstone?

Yes. Moissanite has its own mineral identity, silicon carbide, and occurs naturally in meteorites. The moissanite used in jewellery is lab grown, which gives it consistent quality and a traceable origin. It is a real gemstone.

Will moissanite scratch or cloud over time?

No. At 9.25 Mohs hardness, moissanite will not scratch under everyday conditions and it will not cloud or lose its brilliance the way softer stones do. Cleaning it periodically with mild soap, warm water and a soft cloth keeps it looking the same as the day you bought it.

Does moissanite look different to diamonds in person?

Yes, and the difference is in the fire. Moissanite produces more rainbow-spectrum light dispersion than diamond. In bright natural light, this is noticeable. In indoor or artificial light, the difference is more subtle. Most people who are not actively comparing stones side by side do not identify moissanite by sight.

What is the difference between moissanite and lab grown diamond?

Lab grown diamond is chemically identical to mined diamond, pure carbon, same crystal structure. Moissanite is a different stone entirely, silicon carbide. Different chemical composition, different optical behaviour, different price point. They are both created in laboratory conditions but they are not the same gemstone.

Is moissanite ethically sourced?

Yes. Lab grown moissanite requires no mining. There is no conflict origin concern and no environmental extraction cost. This is one reason intentional buyers choose it alongside the quality and the price.

For shapes, sizes and settings, read the moissanite buying guide. For broader jewellery questions, the jewellery buying guide covers the full picture.

Ready to choose?

If you have read this far, you know more about moissanite than most people who have worn it for years. That understanding is what makes the first purchase straightforward.

Browse the Ananya Collection for everyday pieces in round and cushion cuts. The Escape Collection has pieces built for regular travel wear. If you are choosing for a specific occasion, contact our founder directly. They will tell you exactly which piece, at which size, for your situation.

Know someone weighing up moissanite? Send them this before they decide.