Quick answer
No, moissanite does not get cloudy. The stone won't cloud, fade or change color over time. If your moissanite looks dull, it is almost always a film of lotion, soap, skin oil or dust on the surface, and a quick clean at home brings the sparkle straight back.
Here is why moissanite stays clear, what actually makes it look foggy, and exactly how to clean it.
Key takeaways
- Moissanite's color and clarity are set when it's grown. The stone itself doesn't cloud or fade.
- A dull look comes from film on the stone, dirt in the setting or worn plating on the metal.
- Warm water, mild dish soap and a soft toothbrush fix it in about five minutes.
- Put jewelry on last, take it off for water and sport, and store pieces apart.
Why moissanite does not get cloudy
Moissanite is silicon carbide, a very stable crystal. Its color and clarity are set when it's grown. Wearing it, washing your hands with it on or leaving it in the sun won't change the stone itself.
It is also hard. Moissanite sits at 9.25 on the Mohs scale, just behind diamond at 10. Cubic zirconia is 8 to 8.5. A harder stone resists the fine scratches that slowly dull the surface of softer stones, so moissanite keeps its polish and its sparkle.
That sparkle is strong to begin with. Moissanite's refractive index is 2.65 to 2.69, higher than diamond's 2.42, and it throws more rainbow fire. When it's clean, you'll know.
So why does my moissanite look cloudy?
Three usual suspects.
1. Buildup on the stone
Hand cream, sunscreen, soap, hair products and natural skin oils leave a thin film. It builds up fastest on the back of the stone, where light enters. Block that and the stone looks flat and milky, even though nothing is wrong with it.
2. Dirt trapped in the setting
Prongs and the space under the stone collect dust and residue. Rings and tennis bracelets are the worst offenders, since they're touching everything all day.
3. Worn plating on the metal
This one isn't about the stone at all. Plated metal can wear over time, especially on rings and bracelets. When yellow gold plating thins, the piece can look less bright overall. The moissanite is still perfect. It is the metal around it that has changed.
How to clean moissanite at home
You need warm water, mild dish soap, a soft toothbrush and a lint-free cloth. That's it.
- Mix. Fill a small bowl with warm water and add a few drops of mild dish soap.
- Soak. Let the piece sit for a few minutes to loosen the film.
- Brush. Use a soft toothbrush to gently clean the stone, paying extra attention to the back and around the prongs.
- Rinse. Rinse under warm running water. Close the sink drain first.
- Dry. Pat dry with a lint-free cloth, then give the stone a gentle polish.
For rings and bracelets you wear daily, a quick clean every week or two keeps them at full sparkle. Studs need it less often.
Good to know
Keep one soft toothbrush just for jewelry, and let each piece dry completely before you put it away. Water left in a setting dries into the same film you just removed.
What not to use
- Harsh chemicals like bleach or chlorine. They can damage metal and plating.
- Abrasive powders or rough cloths on plated pieces. They wear down the gold layer faster.
- Ultrasonic cleaners on plated jewelry. The vibration can speed up wear on the plating.
Daily habits that keep moissanite sparkling
- Jewelry goes on last. Put on lotion, perfume and hairspray first, let them dry, then add your pieces.
- Take it off before swimming, showering and the gym. Chlorine, soap and sweat are hard on metal.
- Wipe it down with a soft cloth after wearing.
- Store pieces separately. Moissanite is hard enough to scratch softer metals and stones, so give each piece its own pouch or compartment.
More tips in our full jewelry care guide. On the road, a lined case like the Voyage velvet travel case gives every piece its own spot.
Moissanite vs the metal it sits in
The honest version: the stone will outlast any plating. Here is how our metals compare for long, daily wear.
| Metal | Look | Daily wear |
|---|---|---|
| 925 sterling silver, rhodium plated | Bright white | Good, plating can wear with heavy friction |
| 925 sterling silver, 18K gold plated | Warm yellow | Good with care, plating wears over time |
| 14K gold filled | Warm yellow | Very good, thick bonded gold layer |
How our metals hold up to daily wear.
If you want a piece you can wear every day with the least upkeep, look at our 14K gold filled collection. The gold layer makes up at least 5% of the total weight, far more than plating. The full comparison is in gold filled vs gold plated.
Where to start
Every white moissanite at Daellia is D color and VVS1 clarity, set in nickel- and lead-free metal. A simple starting point is the Véga Solitaire Studs. Four prongs let plenty of light into the stone, and they're easy to clean. For more sparkle on the wrist, browse our moissanite tennis bracelets.
Easy to keep bright
Want to know more about the stone itself? Read our moissanite guide, or is moissanite real.
Sparkle that stays.
Shop moissanite stud earrings, with free tracked shipping on every US order.
Shop stud earringsFrequently asked questions
Does moissanite change color over time?
No. Its color is set when the crystal is grown, and daylight, water and wear won't shift it. What can change is how it looks: a film of lotion makes it seem gray, and worn plating around it can look dull. One curiosity: heated past about 150°F (65°C), moissanite takes on a temporary tint that fades as it cools.
How often should you clean moissanite?
For rings and tennis bracelets worn every day, a gentle soak and brush every week or two keeps them at full sparkle. Studs and pendants touch less lotion and soap, so every few weeks is usually enough. If a stone looks gray or flat between cleanings, that is film, not damage, and warm soapy water fixes it.
Why does my moissanite show rainbow colors?
That is dispersion, also called fire. Moissanite splits white light into color about 2.4 times more than diamond (0.104 against 0.044), so in sunlight or under spotlights you see rainbow flashes. It is a sign of a clean stone, not a flaw. A dirty stone actually shows less fire, because the film blocks light.
Can moissanite scratch or chip?
It is very hard to scratch. At 9.25 on the Mohs scale, only a few materials, such as diamond, are harder, so daily contact with keys or countertops won't mark it. A sharp knock on a hard edge can still chip any gemstone, diamond included, so take rings off for heavy lifting, sports and gardening.
What is the best way to store moissanite jewelry?
Store each piece on its own, in a pouch or a lined compartment. Moissanite is hard enough to scratch softer stones and metals, including other plated pieces. Keep jewelry dry and out of the steamy bathroom, close clasps so chains don't tangle, and wipe each piece with a soft cloth before putting it away.
Keep reading
Written by the Daellia Journal team, Paris. We write about moissanite, metals and the stories behind fine jewelry so you can buy with confidence. Read our moissanite guide or our story.
