Natural Mined Diamonds, Lab Grown Diamonds and Moissanite

What is the difference between natural mined diamonds, lab grown diamonds and Moissanite?  To answer that, let’s take a trip back to high school chemistry.

Natural mined diamonds are 100% pure carbon.  Formed by high temperature and high pressure over millions of years, natural mined diamonds are the hardest natural mineral on Earth.  Only a diamond can cut another diamond.  On the Mohs hardness scale, a natural mined diamond is measured a 10, the hardest. 

Lab grown diamonds are also 100% pure carbon.  Using high temperature and high pressure in a controlled laboratory setting, lab grown diamonds are also measured a 10 on the Mohs hardness scale.  Lab grown diamonds are exactly the same composition as natural mined diamonds, and more affordable than natural mined diamonds. 

Moissanite are lab grown gem stones made of silicon carbide.  Silicon carbide is a mineral rarely found on Earth.  It was first discovered in meteorites that landed on the Earth’s surface after withstanding the high temperature of the Earth’s atmosphere.  On the Mohs hardness scale, Moissanite is measured a 9.5, almost as hard as natural mined and lab grown diamonds. 

The choice between buying jewelry with natural mined diamonds, lab grown diamonds and Moissanite is one based on sentimental value and affordability.  Natural mined diamonds are the most expensive, and lab grown diamonds and Moissanite offer affordable options.