by 
The Curious Bag
-
<h4 class="dechead">On One Hand: Diamonds Are Classic Gemstones
Diamonds are the hardest natural substance with a rating of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale. The majority of diamonds are used for industrial applications since their hardness makes them useful for cutting, grinding and semiconductor applications. Diamonds have been prized as gemstones for centuries.
On the Other: Moissanite Has Similar Properties
Moissanite has a higher refractive index than diamond at 2.67, as opposed to diamond's 2.42, making a faceted stone more brilliant than a diamond. It has a 9.25 rating on the Mohs hardness scale. It can be used in industrial applications for cutting and grinding due to its hardness and it has potential uses as a semiconductor material.
Bottom Line
Neither stone is better than the other. Moissanite has very similar physical properties to diamond so it can be used in many of the same industrial and gemstone applications. Jewelry buyers looking for a traditional stone will prefer diamonds over moissanite, but for most applications either stone will suffice.
Source:
Emporia: Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Diamonds
RELATED QUESTIONS
Copyright 2023, Wired Ivy, LLC