The topic of the Mined Diamonds vs Lab-Grown vs Moissanite VS Cubic Zirconia and facts relating to them has always been debatable. In recent days, Lab-Grown diamonds have gained popularity Still so many myths exist! These Myths can be expelled if only we know the facts about each of them- be it Mined Diamonds, Lab-Grown, Moissanites, Cubic Zirconia etc.

Let us try to understand these!

What are Diamonds Made of ?

Natural mined diamonds are extracted from the bowels of the earth and Lab-Grown diamonds are crafted in a controlled man-made environment, replicating the conditions below the earth. In case of Natural mined diamonds, process takes millennia while Lab-Grown diamonds take a few weeks.

When compared, Natural mined and Lab-Grown diamonds are said to have the exact same Chemical, Physical, Optical and Gemmological properties and it would be virtually impossible to tell the difference with the naked eye.

Light rays do not pass through the diamond, but are instead broken and reflected back in different angles. This creates the diamond's unique sparkle. Be it natural mined diamonds or Lab-Grown, there is no difference in brilliance.

The ability of the resist chipping and breaking of the diamond surface is its ability to withstand damage. This is known as the hardness of diamond. On a Mohs scale of 10, diamond stands at 10 meaning it is the hardest gem. This stands true for Lab-Grown as well as Natural Mined diamonds!

Natural mined diamonds are very expensive due to the series of processes associated with their extraction from its natural environment. But in comparison to that, Lab-Grown diamonds are cost-effective as their creation eliminates certain processes.

Extraction of Natural Mined diamonds from below the earth’s surface leaves large carbon footprints in addition to deforestation, toxic emissions, environmental damage feathering down Nature. However, in case of Lab-Grown diamonds, lower carbon footprints are seen and it is the best sustainable alternative.In contrast to Natural Mined diamonds, Lab-Grown diamonds are the best possible ethical alternative.

Lab-Grown Diamonds VS Moissanite VS Cubic Zirconia

People often refer to Lab-Grown diamonds as Fake diamonds and tend to compare Lab-Grown diamonds with Moissanites or cubic Zirconia as simulants. This is not accurate.

Let’s have a look at these differences!

Unlike Lab-Grown diamonds, Moissanite and Cubic Zirconia etc may have diamond-like appearance but they are poles apart. Moissanite is a naturally occurring silicon carbide whereas Cubic Zirconia is cubic crystalline form of zirconium dioxide (ZrO2) with zero carbon presence.

Moissanite produces a rainbow effect when light passes through. Because of these fiery rainbow flashes some love the effect, while others complain it has a "disco ball" effect.Similarly, in the case of Cubic Zirconia, once the light passes through, it is said to split.

Unlike diamonds, Simulants do not have the same brilliance and sparkle as real diamonds. Reflective index of Moissanite falls in the range of 2.6-2.9 higher than diamond and that of Cubic Zirconia falls in the range of 2.15-2.18 which is lower than diamond. The higher the refractive index, the more brilliance the jewel emits. Because of this, the simulant gives off a vibrant coloured reflection, in dazzling colours that is a little less or little too much. It looks unrealistic in comparison to diamond's brilliance.

On a Mohs scale of 10, diamond stands at 10 meaning it is the hardest gem. In the same scale, Moissanite is between 9-9.5 and Cubic Zirconia is at 8.So, they break or damage way more easily and faster in comparison to diamonds.

Both cubic zirconia and moissanite are created in man-made environments but omitting many of the authentic processes used to create Lab-Grown diamonds. In doing so, the quality of the simulants falls. So, they don’t carry much value and make for poor investments

In terms of colour grades, Lab-Grown diamonds share the same Colour grade scale used for Natural Mined diamonds from D-Z i.e. from colourless to slight presence of colour.

In the case of Moissanite,the GIA diamond colour grading scale was never designed to rate moissanite. Unlike diamonds, moissanite colours can carry undertones from green to yellow to grey.

Some retailers assign random grades to their cubic zirconia stones. However, these grades have no standard across retailers and there are no policies to ensure quality

Following is a table that shows a comparative analysis of several parameters between all the above

In conclusion, we have looked at Natural Mined and Lab-Grown Diamonds, Cubic Zirconia and Moissanites. At PURE TRACES, we want our customers to be educated and informed. We are always there to be of service.