Cubic Zirconia Vs Moissanite differene with every aspects to know
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Cubic Zirconia vs Moissanite: Which To Prefer For Your Love Piece

Every love partner dreams of offering diamond jewelry to their spouse in the form of endearment and emotional attachment. But the fact is that a diamond is a precious gem that conveys a heavy price tag that everybody can't afford. So, what is the best option for the diamond? Is there any alternative for these natural gems or not?

The answer is to go with the diamond simulant option, where the same sparkle reflections and durability exist differently. The diamond simulant is identified as the substitute or alternative gems. The most famous simulants of diamonds are Cubic Zirconia and Moissanite. These stones are made in artificial laboratories with an eco-conscious process.

In moissanite and cubic zirconia, different symmetrical structures, elements, durability, refraction index, and other attributes differentiate these two diamond simulants. With every aspect comparison, you can make more informed decisions.

Which one is better for your engagement ring or anniversary pendants that deliver your message to your partner? Don't worry. From this article, you'll be capable of deciding which one will sparkle your beautiful jewelry.

1. History and Origin Of Moissanite and Cubic Zirconia

These gems were founded naturally, just like diamonds but with time, their rarity decreases demand because it's impossible to find them in nature. That's why moissanite and cubic zirconia is made in laboratories with skilled craftsmanship that successfully offers a brilliant appearance.

  • Moissanite History

The moissanite stone is founded by Dr. Henri Moissan, a French Chemist who passionately inspected meteorites. He found the exact match crystal as natural diamonds in 1893, Arizona. Meanwhile, further inspection showed that crystal isn't compatible with diamond but contains some similarities like brilliance, appearance, and glass structure. That's why it has still been used as an alternative to the diamond.

  • History Of Cubic Zirconia

The CZ stone carries the Zirconum Oxide, a powder element that fills the symmetrical and crystal lattice in the seed. These gems were founded naturally but they are extremely rare to get. According to sources, cubic zirconia was introduced in the late 1970s where these gems were made in the laboratory with intense pressure and temperature. These stones have a cheapest cost than a moissanite.

2. Durability Of Moissanite and CZ

The durability of any gemstone or stone is the most important factor to consider when choosing engagement rings or bracelets. The durability score will show how much the stone can resist scratches and blemishes, whether it is easily breakable or not.

Durability score of moissanite and cubic zirconia

For measuring durability, the Mohs scale shows 1 to 10 numbers, a high score stone is the hardest ever, while the lowest refers to easily breakable, even with a hand touch. Diamonds have ten hardness scores, and moissanite and CZ have 9.25 to 8.5 strength scores, respectively.

  • Durability Of Moissanite: 9.25/10 Score

Moissanite is the hardest gemstone after a diamond, with a 9.25 score on the Mohs scale. Due to the high score on the Mohs scale, these synthetic stones are scratch-resistant and hard to break. It means moissanite will be used daily wearing jewelry like rings, pendants, bracelets, and bangles.

The main reason for the highest durability in these artificial gems is the Silicon Carbide (SiC) that fills the hardness of the crystal. Also, with the intense heat and temperature, the moissanite grabs the strength nearly as a diamond. With large size and carat weights, moissanite still holds its 9.25 score on the Mohs scale, while other stones lose their strength in more size.

  • Cubic Zirconia Durability: 8.5/10 Score

The CZ stone is a simulant diamond but carries a required hardness that making jewelry durable and long-lasting in every size and carat weight. On the Mohs scale, cubic zirconia scores 8.5, which is behind the synthetic moissanite stone, with a 9.25 score. It doesn't mean the CZ is not valid for jewelry.

The fact is that other gemstones like peridot and amethysts have less Mohs scale than cubic zirconia. So, remove the illusion that gemstones are harder than a CZ stone; they aren't. As simple as that. If you're searching for the cheapest hard stone, then Cubic Zirconia is the best choice rather than spending on moissanite.

3. Brilliance Comparison

The brilliance is the goodwill of any stone, whether a diamond, precious gemstone, moissanite, CZ, or other synthetic stones. Buyers expect their selected stone should reflect sufficient and elegant light reflections. The stone's reflection is measured in the brilliance and refractive index that make stone more brighter or foggy.

Moissanite and cubic zirconia brilliance refractive index score

Diamond has 2.42 refractive index that indicates this gem offer a elegant sparkle through the anatomical structure. While moissanite is the most highest refractive index as 2.63 - 2.68 score that makes them exquisite than other stones. In CZ, refractive index is found between 2.15 - 2.18 score.

  • Moissanite Refractive Index With Brilliance

The moissanite stone is known for its intense sparkle reflection in natural light and backlight because of the symmetrical balance between each molecule. Also, the formation of the crystal lattice influences the stone to reflect brilliance in every atmosphere. The refractive index of moissanite is 2.63 - 2.68, which is 10% more than a diamond's RI.

Due to the most brilliant reflection, the jewelry in moissanite looks gorgeous and precious in white gold, rose gold, or platinum. Due to the brilliance reflections, the fire and scintillation effect of the moissanite delivers a wonderful appearance on the jewelry. That's why it is always considered the best gem to offer a luminous impression of the glint.

  • Cubic Zirconia Refractive Index

CZ has a 2.15 - 2.18 refractive index score which is lower than moissanite and diamond, but it is still a good option to experience the luster effect from the stone. It is a fact that cubic zirconia will not sparkle as much as moissanite, but for their crystal lattice formation and Zirconium Oxide element, they offer a luminous appearance.

While a person has a tight budget to shop for beautiful artificial and handmade jewelry at a cheap cost, then the CZ is the better selection. In these synthetic stones, no more variations and clarity exists, which is a drawback to picking them for a halo pendant or tennis bracelet. But, wanting to offer a diamond jewelry wearing experience at an affordable cost, CZ could be a good choice with tilting brilliance reflection.

4. Fluorescence Effects: The Backend Influencing Factor

The fluorescence effect exists in every stone with a crystal lattice structure, whether natural or artificial. When a stone is placed under UV lights, a bluish tint is reflected, called fluorescence. Usually, in diamonds, this effect is found, and it influences the cost and appearance.

Fluorescence effect in moissanite and cubic zirconia synthetic stones

There are many different points of view on fluorescence existence in moissanite and cubic zirconia. We recommend insisting the best fluorescence graded stones range from faint to medium. The gemstones like peridot, ruby, or other stones don't have fluorescence ability due to their darker crystal.

So, to decide whether to choose a moissanite or cubic zirconia, you have to inspect which stone has more fluorescence effects. Let's find it out.

  • Moissanite Fluorescence

Due to the prominent flaw of the fluorescence effects, the moissanite stone's brilliance is enhanced, providing a captivating appearance to the eyes. The stone's fluorescence effects work as the sparkle's petals that drive more elegance in a whole symmetrical balance. The moissanite usually has faint to medium graded fluorescence, which means it's free from any unrequired tints except blue.

  • Fluorescence In CZ

Cubic Zirconia is the crystal form of Zirconium Oxide with a little shining appearance from its origin. So, with these stones, you can find a different fluorescence effect. For example, in emerald cut CZ stone, the medium fluorescence grade is present because of the crystal formation. While with the same clarity and carat weights, round CZ stone has no fluorescence.

Also, Cubic Zirconia is a foggy stone that usually does not so much reflect a sparkle, and with less reflection, the fluorescence effect grade changed. When a stone has a milky surface (here, CZ), the fluorescence is graded from a strong to very strong range. The milky hue influences the stone's anatomy to barter only intense blue reflects rather than natural rainbow lights.

5. Fancy Color Options

The fancy colors stones are an ideal choice over traditional gemstones like ruby, alexandrite, spinel, sardonyx, and others. Every colored stone has its own significance and sparkle reflections that look attractive. Thus, a fashion lover who needs a touch of elegance they picked colored gems in the jewelry.

Fancy colores variations and options in moissanite and cubic zirconia diamond simulants

In moissanite, 30+ fancy colored stone options exist in an elongated and square shape, even with antique steps and old cuts. A CZ stone is a cheap artificial gem with hardly <5 colors because they're not recognized as moissanite. Also, its demand remains low, so many manufacturers neglect to make a beautiful CZ stone.

  • Moissanite Colors Choices

With moissanite ethical stone, you have 30+ fancy color choices ranging from faint to intense hues. For example, the most beautiful colored stones are pink, yellow, blue, olive, champagne, brown, dark chocolate, and green. While other fancy colored moissanites exist in red, orange, grey, greenish blue, pale yellow, and many more.

Keep in mind moissanite will open the gate to pick your favorite colored stone for your engagement ring or wedding band. Also, you can insist on the customized colored stones within the $100 to $150 price. You can get a blue or champagne elongated radiant cut stone with the least cropped corners at this cost. While a red square shaped princess cut exists in VVS clarity and 1.50-carat weights.

  • CZ Stone In Colors

CZ is a lower costed synthetic stone with a similar appearance to moissanite and diamonds, but they are still recognized as famous. Few people have an idea about the CZ stones, and it carries <5 fancy color options. In cubic zirconia, mostly traditional colors exist as off-white to faint-yellow.

Also, due to less demand and appreciation, these gems are not feature more options such as moissanite and diamonds. Another reason is not introducing fancy colors due to the cheap selling cost. As a result, with CZ artificial gems, you can't get more color options.

6.Antique Cut Variation: Distinctive Choice

The antique cut stones are not so different from the brilliant cut, but they feature more elegant modifications in facets, symmetrical balance, and color grades. An antique cut is the best choice for those who love to keep finding themselves in fashion trends with distinctive stands.

Antique cut options in diamond simulants moissanite and cubic zirconia

In antique cut, there is a many choice present, and it indicates picking one stone for your pendant or halo engagement ring. Here, in this case, between moissanite and CZ stones, moissanite has more variaties in the antique cuts with their identical brilliance and fiery effects.

  • Antique Cut Moissanite Stones: The Unique Picking

If you want to make your jewelry different from the crowd who select only brilliant cut stones and follow the same patterns. Then we bring a special collection of antique cut moissanite stones with beautiful sparkle reflections with different symmetrical balances and patterns. Still, the durability remains the same as you expect in synthetic and ethical moissanite.

In antique cut moissanite, there is a two part that exists as rectangular or elongated stones and other stones have a square shape. In square moissanite stones, Mazarian cut, French cut, Peruzzi cut, Pentagon cut, and Modified Princess cut with maximum cropper corners.

Rectangular moissanite options started from crushed ice oval, radiant, emerald, and cushion cuts. These stones don't compromise with the brilliance of reflection. Instead, they sprinkle the flashing effects from your engagement ring and tennis bracelets.

While for a unique cut selection, the options are old mine cut, Butterfly cut, Buddha cut, Lips cut, Portuguese cut, Triangle cut, Bull cut, and Octagonal cut available to pick. The cost for antique moissanite cuts starts from $100 and reaches $700, which depends on the clarity, carat, and symmetry.

  • Cubic Zirconia In Antique Cut

You can't find antique cuts such as moissanite in cubic zirconia stones. Due to less demand and a diamond simulant tag, people are confused about choosing antique cut CZ stones. Also, the CZ synthetic stones do not have as many sparkle reflections as moissanite, which is another reason not to be picked in antique cuts.

Also, people are afraid about the durability of antique CZ stones because they live in the illusion. They think in the stone, the stable symmetrical formation doesn't exist. As a result, many cubic zirconia manufacturers are refused to make it in the antique cut. Meanwhile, some of them create the CZ stones according to the buyer's preference.

7. Moissanite and Cubic Zirconia Value Comparison

As a buyer you felt a concern about the accurate cost to pay whatever you choose, a synthetic moissanite or lab-created cubic zirconia in fancy color and clarity. To clarity the price difference between these two artificial gems, a CZ is the cheapest stone for purchase. While a moissanite price is higher than a cubic zirconia.

Cost and value comparison between moissanite and cubic zirconia stones

Keep in mind, with CZ; there is a lack of variations compared to the moissanite. The moissanite carries variations in cut grade like brilliant, step, moval, rose, portrait, and old cuts. While a CZ features only brilliant and step cut with asymmetrical shape, sometimes.

  • Moissanite Cost

For 1-carat moissanite with VVS clarity and Blue color, you have to pay $60. A colorless moissanite stone costs at least $50 in VVS clarity and elongated shapes. Due to the cheaper price of these synthetic stones, you can make your jewelry more beautiful and glorious with fancy colors and square or elongated shapes.

You can get colorless and fancy colored stones within $100 in a 1-carats, but the overall cost depends on the clarity and cut grades. Thus, it's your call to pick a 2-carat radiant cut moissanite or 5-carat weighted brilliant cut round stone for your jewelry like engagement ring, anniversary pendant, and Valentine's Day tennis bracelet.

In moissanite, many choices exist, from clarity to symmetrical patterns within a price budget. So, to get this gem, you don't have to spend thousands of dollars on diamonds. Meanwhile, similar quality as diamonds is present in the artificial moissanite stones.

  • Cubic Zirconia Cost

Cubic Zirconia is a cheaper stone than moissanite, a natural, lab-grown diamond. To get a 1-carat CZ stone, you have to pay $20 to $30 to get a rectangular emerald or square princess cut. For 1-carat diamonds, the cost reaches to $7000 to $15000 in best clarity and color grades.

Cubic zirconia is the best option when you have to purchase affordable jewelry from $150 to $200 with a similar appearance as diamonds and moissanite. The larger carat weights and size CZ stones are cheap, so you can purchase them for vintage jewelry without breaking the bank account.

Where To Shop a Beautiful Moissanite Or CZ Stones?

To shop a beautiful moissanite or CZ stones, pick a jeweler with authenticated testimonials, ethical sourcing, and certification options. These features guarantee that your artificial stone jewelry is made following the regulations and norms that signify ethical jewelry. It's best to consult a professional gemologist who comprehensively guides you to select which is better for you, a moissanite or cubic zirconia.

Difference of Cubic Zirconia and Moissanite

For an in-depth understanding of the difference between cubic zirconia and moissanite, we prepare a chart on these stones' attributes like formation, making process, eco-friendliness, price, ethical practices, certification, 4cs grades existence, refractive index, durability, and fluorescence effects. Consider this differentiative chart before reaching any verdict.

Differentiate Points

Cubic Zirconia

Moissanite

Foundation

These stones are found from Baddeleyite, a chemical element which is found in crystal forms. It contains the solid form of monoclinic crystal seed.

Moissanite was invented by combining silicon and carbon elements in a crystal form. The presence of silicon carbide refers to the meteorites that shine every time.

Founded Year

Natural CZ was founded in 1892 with extremely rare quality. While the lab-created CZ stone making started in the late 1970s.

In 1893, French Chemist Dr. Henri Moissan found these stones in a crystal form while inspecting the meteorite's crystals.

Making Process

Cubic Zirconia is made from zirconium oxide powder, which melts at 3000°C, influencing the seed to take growth as a prominent crystal for the cut or polishing process.

Moissanite is made with silicon carbide seed where carbon is pressurized at 3000-4000° C temperature. After that, the stone gained the shape of rough mined diamonds.

Eco-friendly

CZ is an eco-friendly diamond simulant or substitute because the making of these gems not harmful to society and nature.

Moissanite is also an eco-friendly diamond substitute or alternative due to consuming less natural resources and emphasizes to renewable energy. They're similar to ethical stones.

Price 

Cubic Zirconia has a lower price than Moissanite. For example, 1.00 carat CZ stone has a price of $20 to $30 in square or elongated shape.

For 1.00-carat Moissanite synthetic stone the cost reaches at $60 to $150 in colorless and fancy colors.

Conflict Free Or Conflicted?

A natural CZ stone is a conflicted stone when it is made from mined zircon and baddeleyite crystals. While artificial CZ does not get a conflicted badge because it’s made in a controlled artificial environment.

Moissanite isn't a conflicted gem because they made in an artificial laboratory where it's a priority to reduce the conflict issue from the making.

Certification 

CZ stones have their own certification grade from A to AAA, depending on their quality. But it's not recognized worldwide as GIA or IGI certification.

Moissanite isn't certified by reputed institutions like GIA or IGI. But it carries an authenticated certification for sellers as branded certifications.

4C’s

There is not proof for determining the carat, cut, color, and clarity of these CZ stones.

In Mossanite, carat weights, color, clarity, and cut grades are acknowledged as per our criteria.

Reflections Index 

CZ stones have a 2.15 - 2.18 refractive index, which is excellent for sparking a fire and looking like a small glitter star.

Moissanite has a 2.63 - 2.68 refractive index, more than a CZ, and precious diamonds. It means the moissanite stone reflects in natural and backlights, too.

Durability

Cubic Zirconia has an 8.5 Mohs Scale rating. However, it still has a hardness that requires for jewelry and resistant to scratch.

Moissanite’s Mohs Scale rating shows a 9.25 number out of 10, which is also suitable for a durable engagement ring or wedding jewelry to make it sustainable.

Fluorescence

CZ has more fluorescence effect than moissanite because of Zirconium Oxide's presence.

Moissanite carries less fluorescence reflections due to a perfect symmetrical balance internally.

Result

CZ stones are the options for cheap stones and good sparkle reflection.

While offering a brilliant experience as diamonds with more durability, moissanite will be the 1st option.