Yes, moissanite is real. It is a genuine gemstone made of silicon carbide, not glass, plastic or cubic zirconia. It isn't a diamond and it isn't a fake diamond either. It costs less mainly because it is grown in a lab instead of being mined.
Here is what moissanite actually is, where it came from, and what you get (and give up) when you choose it.
What moissanite is made of
Moissanite is silicon carbide, a crystal built from silicon and carbon. Diamond is pure carbon. Cubic zirconia is zirconium dioxide. Three different materials, three different sets of properties, even if all three can look similar across a room.
So when people ask "is moissanite fake," the honest answer is no. A fake is something pretending to be something else. Moissanite is its own mineral with its own name.
Where moissanite comes from
The French chemist Henri Moissan identified the mineral in 1893, in meteorite fragments from Canyon Diablo in Arizona. The stone carries his name.
Natural moissanite turned out to be extremely rare. Far too rare to cut into jewelry at any real scale. That is why all moissanite sold today, ours included, is lab-grown.
Does lab-grown mean fake?
No. Lab-grown moissanite has the same chemistry and crystal structure as the natural mineral. The only difference is where it formed. Think of it like ice from your freezer versus ice from a frozen lake. Same material, different origin.
Moissanite vs diamond vs cubic zirconia
Here is how the three compare on the numbers that affect how a stone looks and lasts.
| Moissanite | Diamond | Cubic zirconia | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | Silicon carbide | Carbon | Zirconium dioxide |
| Hardness (Mohs) | 9.25 | 10 | 8 to 8.5 |
| Refractive index | 2.65 to 2.69 | 2.42 | 2.15 to 2.18 |
| Dispersion (fire) | 0.104 | 0.044 | 0.060 |
| Everyday wear | Very durable | Most durable | Scratches more easily |
What those numbers mean in real life:
- Hardness 9.25 puts moissanite just behind diamond. It is made for daily wear, not just special occasions.
- A higher refractive index means more light bounces back to your eye. Moissanite is a very bright stone.
- Higher dispersion means more rainbow color, more than twice diamond's.
Why moissanite costs less than diamond
Three reasons, and none of them are about quality.
- It is grown, not mined. No mine, no long supply chain behind each stone.
- You pay for the look, not for rarity. Much of a mined diamond's price comes from how scarce top stones are. Lab-grown moissanite doesn't carry that premium.
- Size doesn't jump in price the same way. With moissanite, going from a small stone to a bold one is far easier on the budget.
That is why a lot of people pick moissanite for an engagement ring. You can choose the size and shape you actually want, and put the difference toward the wedding, the honeymoon or the rent.
The honest trade-offs
Moissanite isn't perfect for everyone. Here is what to know before you buy.
- More rainbow fire. In direct sun, moissanite flashes more color than diamond. Some people love it. Some want a whiter sparkle. Look at photos and videos in daylight before you decide.
- It isn't a diamond. If "diamond" itself matters to you or to the person you're buying for, moissanite won't replace that feeling.
- Metal matters as much as the stone. Moissanite won't cloud or fade, but gold plating on the metal can wear with time. Choose gold filled for pieces you'll wear every day, and read our jewelry care guide.
How to tell good moissanite from poor moissanite
Not all moissanite is the same. Check three things.
Color
Look for D color, the top of the scale. Lower grades can show a faint warm tint, especially in larger stones.
Clarity
VVS1 means inclusions are extremely hard to find even under magnification. To the eye, the stone looks clean.
Metal
Ask what the setting is made of. 925 sterling silver, gold filled and solid gold are real metals. Nickel-free matters if your skin reacts to cheap jewelry.
What you get at Daellia
Every white moissanite we sell is D color, VVS1. Settings are 925 sterling silver plated with rhodium or 18K gold, or 14K gold filled, all nickel- and lead-free. Shipping is free on every order, and buying two pieces takes 10% off automatically (15% off three or more).
A good first piece is the Sirius Solitaire Ring: one stone, clean setting, and the easiest way to see moissanite's sparkle up close. For a gift that stays gentle on the budget, browse gifts under $100.
Want to go deeper on grading and sizes? Read our moissanite guide.
Real stone, real sparkle, honest price. Shop our best-selling moissanite.