Why Are Moissanites Less Expensive Than Lab-Grown Diamonds?
Understanding the science, the economics, and the benefits—for people choosing a meaningful gemstone.
When someone is choosing a stone for a piece of jewellery that marks love, family, or a significant moment, they often want to understand what makes one option more expensive than another. Two stones that are frequently compared are moissanite and lab-grown diamonds. At first glance, they can look similarly brilliant, but their pricing, origins, and structure explain why moissanites are less expensive to grow than diamonds—and why both stones offer meaningful benefits in different ways.
The origins: what each stone is
Diamonds (lab-grown)
Lab diamonds are chemically identical to natural diamonds.
They are made of crystallised carbon arranged in a cubic atomic structure.
Moissanite
Moissanite is a different gemstone entirely, with its own chemical identity.
It’s made of silicon carbide, with a distinct crystal structure and optical profile.
Because they are fundamentally different materials, they form differently and require different conditions to grow.
A Cosmic Discovery with a Modern Soul
Moissanite wasn’t born in the earth—it came from the stars. In 1893, Nobel Prize-winning French chemist Henri Moissan discovered silicon-carbide crystals in a meteor crater in Arizona. Initially, he thought they were diamonds, but later realised they were something else entirely.
Because naturally occurring moissanite is extremely rare, it wasn’t until the late 20th century that scientists developed a way to grow it in labs.
The breakthrough came with Charles & Colvard — in the late 1990s, they developed gem-quality moissanite under a patented process.
Today, that technology is widely available, making moissanite a brilliant, accessible gemstone.
Beyond Jewellery — What Else Is Moissanite Used For?
Moissanite (silicon carbide) is not just for sparkle. Its hardness, thermal conductivity, and stability make it valuable for industrial applications:
- Semiconductors & Electronics: High-purity SiC is used in LEDs and power electronics.
- Abrasion & Cutting Tools: Because silicon carbide is very hard, it’s used in cutting, grinding, and high-temperature applications.
- Scientific Equipment: In high-pressure experiments, moissanite serves as an alternative to diamond in anvils and other instruments.
It’s a gemstone born from science — and used by science — making its journey into jewellery all the more meaningful.
The Science Behind the Sparkle
What makes moissanite sparkle so brilliantly? It’s all about how light moves through it.
Refractive index (RI): Moissanite’s RI is around 2.65–2.69 — significantly higher than a diamond’s ~2.42.
This means light bends more inside moissanite, creating more internal reflections.
Dispersion (“fire”): Moissanite’s dispersion is about 0.104, compared to diamond’s 0.044.
This high dispersion splits light into vibrant colors — giving moissanite its characteristic rainbow flashes.
In simple terms: light bends more dramatically in moissanite, and bursts into color, which results in a distinctive sparkle that many describe as more lively and playful than that of a diamond.
Why Moissanites Are Less Expensive to Grow
1) The growth process is less demanding
Lab diamond growth is a highly complex process that requires recreating the exact temperature and pressure conditions found deep within the Earth.
This involves advanced machines, extreme pressure, heat, and precise stability for weeks.
Moissanite growth, while still technically sophisticated, requires significantly less pressure and lower temperatures than diamond crystallisation. That reduces operating costs.
2) Higher yield, lower failure
Diamond growth has a higher failure rate. Crystal growth interruptions can ruin a stone partway through formation, making the process unpredictable and more expensive.
Moissanite growth tends to produce fewer failed crystals and higher usable yield per batch, lowering the cost per carat.
3) Less energy use overall
Diamond growth consumes more energy—heat and pressure must be maintained over a sustained period.
Moissanite’s comparatively lower energy footprint is one of the key reasons the stones are more affordable.
4) Shorter growth timelines
Diamond growth takes long continuous periods.
Moissanite forms more quickly.
Time—combined with yield and energy—matters.
The Benefits of Moissanite
Moissanite has its own beauty and its own strengths, which is why many people choose it purposefully—rather than because it is cheaper.
Exceptional brilliance
Moissanite has a higher refractive index than diamond, meaning:
they sparkle more intensely and reflect more rainbow fire.
Some people absolutely fall in love with that quality.
Remarkably durable
Moissanite ranks 9.25 on the Mohs scale—making it highly resistant to wear, suitable for daily jewellery, engagement rings, and heirlooms.
Very affordable per carat
Because they cost less to grow, you can achieve larger stone sizes for the same price bracket.
This is wonderful when the intention is emotional scale, symbolism, or simply personal preference.
Ethically produced
Moissanites are grown under controlled laboratory conditions.
People often appreciate the transparency and certainty that offers.
The Benefits of Lab-Grown Diamonds
Lab-grown diamonds hold significant meaning too, especially for people who value tradition or symbolism.
Comparison with mined diamonds:
They share the same:
• crystal structure
• hardness (10 on the Mohs scale)
• brilliance
• chemical composition
They test as diamonds because they are diamonds in scientific terms.
Traditional meaning
Diamonds have a long historical association with love, memory, and legacy.
Many people value that continuity.
Subtle, refined brilliance
Diamonds have a distinctive sparkle—cooler, more white, less rainbow fire than moissanite.
Some find that understated quality deeply elegant.
More affordable than mined diamonds
Lab-grown diamonds offer the same beauty and identity as mined diamonds, at a more attainable price, with full transparency.
So how do you choose?
The best gemstone is the one that expresses something meaningful to the wearer.
There is no wrong answer.
Some people love the fiery brilliance and symbolism of moissanite.
Others value the heritage and material identity of diamond.
Both can be deeply personal and truly special.
Final thought
Choosing between moissanite and a lab-grown diamond isn’t about deciding which is “better”—it’s about deciding which feels right for the story you're marking, the person you're celebrating, and the meaning you want the piece to carry through a lifetime.
Explore our lab grown moissanite and lab grown diamond jewellery collection and see which designs feel right for you.