Moissanite Vs Cubic Zirconia: Which Is Better?

It isn't easy to decide between Moissanite vs Cubic Zirconia! Both are beautiful stones that can add a touch of luxury to any outfit, but which is the better choice? Keep reading to find out!

Moissanite Vs Cubic Zirconia: Comparison

Both moissanite and cubic zirconia are beautiful, durable stones that make great diamond alternatives. Moissanite is a natural stone, while cubic zirconia is a manmade stone. Here's a quick overview of the key differences between these two stones:

1. Appearance

Moissanite and cubic zirconia are clear stones with a high refractive index, meaning they sparkle brightly. However, there are some subtle differences in their appearance.

Moissanite tends to have a greenish-yellow tint, while cubic zirconia is completely colorless. In hardness, moissanite rates 9.25 on the Mohs scale (just below diamond), while cubic zirconia rates 8-8.5.

1. Durability

Because of its hardness, moissanite is more durable than cubic zirconia and less likely to scratch or chip. However, moissanite is brittle and can break if hit hard enough. Cubic zirconia is also brittle, but it's more likely to scratch because it's not as hard as moissanite.

1. Price

Price is always an important consideration when choosing any piece of jewelry. Moissanite is more expensive than cubic zirconia, but it's still affordable for most people. Cubic zirconia may be the better choice if you're on a tight budget. However, moissanite is the better investment if you're looking for a stone that will last a lifetime.

1. Brilliance

Moissanite and cubic zirconia are both brilliant stones, but moissanite has a higher refractive index and dispersion than cubic zirconia. This means that moissanite sparkles more than cubic zirconia.

1. Dimensions:

Cubic zirconia stones are typically cut into shapes that mimic diamonds (round, princess, etc.), while moissanite stones are cut into various shapes and sizes. Moreover, moissanite is typically more expensive than cubic zirconia. However, both stones are much more affordable than diamonds.

1. Care

Because cubic zirconia is softer than moissanite, it's essential to take care when cleaning your jewelry. Avoid using harsh chemicals or cleaners — opt for gentle soap and water. You should also avoid steamers or ultrasonic cleaners, which could damage your stone. 

Moissanite is tougher and can withstand more exposure to harsh chemicals — however, it's still important to take care when cleaning your jewelry so you don't damage the setting or any other parts of your piece.

1. Refractive Index

The refractive index (RI) measures how light bends when it enters a gemstone. The higher the RI, the more sparkle the stone will have. Moissanite has an RI of 2.65-2.69, which is higher than diamond (2.42) but lower than cubic zirconia (2.15-2.35). So, moissanite falls in the middle when it comes to sparkle—not quite as much as cubic zirconia but more than diamond.

1. Size

Moissanite gems can be cut into larger stones than diamond or cubic zirconia—so if you're looking for a large statement piece, moissanite may be your best bet. That said, CZ can also be cut into fairly large stones—so size isn't necessarily a dealbreaker when deciding between these two gemstones.

1. Color

Both moissanite and cubic zirconia gems come in a wide range of colors—from colorless/white to black/gray to vibrant greens, blues, and pinks. On the other hand, diamonds are usually colorless/white but can also come in yellow, brown, or black. So, if you're interested in a colored gemstone, CZ or moissanite may be your best bet.

1. Clarity

Most cubic zirconia stones have few inclusions — tiny imperfections that can be seen under magnification. Many CZ stones are so clear that they rival diamonds in terms of clarity.

Moissanite also has few inclusions — but because these stones are slightly less hard than CZ, they may show some wear over time with exposure to abrasives like detergents or cosmetics. However, this type of wear is usually not visible to the naked eye and can easily be buffed away with a soft cloth.

Moissanite Vs Cubic Zirconia: Which Stone Is Better For You

Cubic zirconia (CZ) and moissanite are popular for rings, earrings, and other jewelry because they resemble diamonds but are much less expensive. Both CZ and moissanite are durable and beautiful and come in various colors.

So, which stone is the better choice? It depends on your individual needs and preferences. You can also look at the following aspects to decide which will better fulfill your needs:

1. Moissanite is a rare gemstone that is harder than diamond and comes in various colors.
2. Cubic zirconia is a synthetic gemstone available in many colors and shapes.
3. Both moissanite and cubic zirconia are affordable alternatives to diamonds
4. Moissanite has a higher refractive index than cubic zirconia, which makes it sparkle more
5. Cubic zirconia is more durable than moissanite, but moissanite is less likely to scratch
6. Both moissanite and cubic zirconia can be set in jewelry with metal or gold plating

Moissanite is the better choice if you're looking for a more brilliant stone with a greater fire. However, cubic zirconia may be the better option if you're on a tight budget. Here’s a quick guide to the 4-prong and 6-prong settings.

The Pros And Cons Of Both Stones

Moissanite is better if you're looking for a durable and scratch-resistant stone. However, cubic zirconia may be better if you want a less expensive stone. Now let's get on the pros and cons of each!

Moissanite Pros:

• Moissanite is much harder than cubic zirconia, making it more resistant to scratching and chipping.
• Moissanite is also significantly more brilliant than cubic zirconia, reflecting light more effectively and appearing brighter to the naked eye.
• Moissanite is a naturally occurring gemstone, while cubic zirconia is manufactured. For some people, this makes moissanite a more appealing option.

Moissanite Cons:

• Moissanite is significantly more expensive than cubic zirconia.
• Because it is so hard, it can be difficult to cut and shape moissanite into different jewelry designs.
• Moissanite is not as widely available as cubic zirconia, making it harder to find if you're unsure where to look.

Cubic Zirconia Pros:

• Cubic zirconia is much less expensive than moissanite.
• It is very easy to cut and shape into different jewelry designs, so there are endless possibilities regarding what you can create.
• Cubic zirconia is widely available, so you shouldn't have trouble finding it if you know where to look.

Cubic Zirconia Cons:

• Cubic zirconia is not as hard as moissanite, so it's more likely to scratch or chip over time.
• It is not as brilliant as moissanite, so it may not reflect light as well or appear as bright to the naked eye.
• Because it is artificial, some people prefer the natural beauty of a gemstone like moissanite.

How To Choose The Right Stone For You?

When shopping for stones, there are many options to choose from. With so many options, deciding which is right for you can be challenging. The most popular stones on the market today are Moissanite and Cubic Zirconia. 

Moissanite vs cubic zirconia both these stones have unique properties that make them excellent choices for different people.

• If you're looking for a piece of jewelry that will last a lifetime and don't mind spending a little extra money, moissanite may be the right choice.
• However, cubic zirconia may be a better option if you're looking for something that's more affordable and offers more design possibilities.

This blog post has explored each stone's differences, pros, and cons to help you decide which one is right for you. The answer comes down to personal preference and budget. Finally, look at is moissanite tacky and how to keep your engagement ring from spinning!