Moissanite has become a popular diamond alternative because of its brilliance and affordability.
But how can you tell if a Moissanite is real? If you’re investing in this gorgeous gemstone, you need to make sure it’s authentic.
This guide will help you tell if moissanite is real and will give you practical tips and advice to help you make an informed decision.
What is Moissanite?
Moissanite is a lab-grown gemstone made of silicon carbide and is full of brilliance, fire, and hardness.
French chemist Henri Moissan first found moissanite in a meteorite, and now it’s being grown to meet the demand for its diamond-like properties.
Unlike diamonds, which take billions of years to form naturally, moissanite is grown in a controlled way, so it’s consistent and ethical. That makes moissanite not only beautiful but also good for the environment.
How to Spot Fake Moissanite
As moissanite becomes more popular, so do fake or poor-quality moissanites. You need to make sure your moissanite is real to protect your investment and get the full moissanite experience.
Fake moissanite won’t have the brilliance and hardness of natural moissanite, and that’s disappointing and money-loss.
The real gems will give you the sparkle, hardness, and ethics of moissanite.
Why There’s Fake Moissanite in the Market
With more demand for moissanite comes more fake stones. Some sellers try to pass off lower-quality or different gemstones as moissanite to make money.
Knowing how to spot real moissanite will prevent that and give you a quality product.
The high margins on genuine moissanite will tempt some dirty dealers to sell fakes at the same price, so inspection is key.
How to Tell if Moissanite is Real
Visual Inspection
First, you need to try some tests with the naked eye.
Look for Fire and Brilliance
Real moissanite has more fire and brilliance than diamonds. It reflects more light and shows a rainbow. If your stone has lots of sparkle, it might be moissanite.
Moissanite’s higher refractive index means it breaks white light into colorful flashes, and that’s easy to see.
Double Refraction
The easiest way to spot moissanite is double refraction. Hold it up to light and look through it. If you see two images of the facets, it’s moissanite.
That’s unique to moissanite as the double refraction splits the light into two rays, and you see two of everything. (source: GIA)
Examining for Errors and Inclusions
Relatively free of inclusions and flaws is authentic Moissanite. On the other hand, artificial stones might have obvious defects or anomalies.
Clarity and Cut
Clarity has few inclusions, and the cut is symmetrical. When checking clarity, hold under light and look. High-quality moissanite should be almost invisible, while well-cut moissanite will light up and show off.
Certificate of Authenticity
Always ask for a certificate of authenticity when buying moissanite. Good sellers will provide one stating the stone’s origins.
- Verification: A certificate from reputable labs like the GIA or IGI confirms the gemstone is genuine moissanite.
- Detailed Information: The certificate details the moissanite’s cut, clarity, carat weight, and any treatments.
- Cut
- Clarity
- Carat Weight
- Treatments
- Quality Assurance: Certificates guarantee the gemstone has been evaluated by experts and meets specific quality standards.
- Added Value: A certified moissanite often holds higher value and is essential for insurance and resale purposes.
- Ethical Assurance: Certificates include information about the gemstone’s origin, ensuring it’s conflict-free and produced ethically.
A certificate of authenticity not only confirms that the moissanite is real, but it also protects your investment in the long run.
The certificate is especially important in the growing market for lab-created gemstones, where counterfeit products are more common.
Moissanite Tester
A moissanite tester is a device that can distinguish moissanite from other gemstones by measuring electrical conductivity.
Real moissanite conducts electricity differently than other stones.
To use a moissanite tester:
- Turn it On: Make sure it’s calibrated and ready to use.
- Touch the Probe to the Stone: Gently touch the probe to the stone.
- Read the Result: The tester will indicate if the stone is moissanite based on its electrical conductivity.
Most jewelry stores and online retailers have these testers. If you’re unsure, ask to see a demo before you buy your stone.
Using a moissanite tester provides a quick and reliable way to authenticate your gemstone, giving you peace of mind about your purchase.
Thermal Conductivity Testing
Moissanite heats and cools differently from diamonds and other gemstones. A thermal conductivity tester will show moissanite.
These testers measure how fast heat moves through the stone. Moissanite will register differently from diamonds on these.
UV Light Testing
Moissanite shows different fluorescence under ultraviolet (UV) light than other gemstones. UV light will reveal unique fluorescent patterns to help identify moissanite.
Professional Appraisal
To be 100% sure, take your stone to a jeweler. They have the knowledge and equipment to tell if it’s moissanite.
Jewelers can use a refractometer or polariscope to check the optical stuff. They can also look for microscopic inclusions or flaws to see if it’s natural or lab-grown.
Going to a good jeweler also means getting an appraisal and, if needed, a certificate of authenticity.
That certificate will have all the details – cut, clarity, carat weight, and any treatments.
DIY Testing Methods
Fog Test
Breathe on the stone like you would on a mirror. If it fogs and then clears quickly, it’s moissanite.
The fog test works because moissanite dissipates heat faster than many other gemstones, and the fog clears almost instantly.
Newspaper Test
Place the flat side down on the newspaper. Try to read the print through the stone. If it looks double or blurry, it’s moissanite.
This test uses moissanite’s double refraction to differentiate it from other stones. When the light goes through moissanite, it splits into two rays, and the text underneath looks double or fuzzy.
Water Test
Use a glass of water. Fill it with water and carefully place the stone in it. Moissanite will sink, and some fake stones may float.
The water test is helpful because moissanite is denser than many imitation stones, but should be used in conjunction with other tests for accuracy.
How to Buy Moissanite and Not Fake Moissanite
- Buy from Good Sellers: From trusted jewelers who have certificates of authenticity and reviews. Research the seller and read reviews.
- Ask Questions: Ask for details on origin, grading, and treatments. A good seller will be transparent.
- Use a Moissanite Tester: Before you buy, or ask the seller to use a Moissanite tester. That’s a quick test that can save you from fraud.
- Get Professional Advice: If you are unsure, get a jeweler to appraise it before you buy. An expert will know and identify problems.
- Avoid Deals that Seem Too Good to Be True: Extremely low prices can be a red flag for counterfeit stones. Ensure the price aligns with the market value for genuine moissanite. Comparing prices from various reputable sources can help you gauge a fair market price.
Conclusion
Verifying moissanite is key to your peace of mind and investment. Follow these steps to determine whether your gemstone is genuine.
Natural moissanite will have double refraction and high brilliance. Now that you know how to tell if moissanite is real, you can confidently buy the jewelry you’ve always wanted.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your moissanite jewelry is high-quality and will continue to bring you joy and sparkle for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can you tell if moissanite is real or fake?
Visual inspection and professional testing are the best methods.
Look for unique features like double refraction and use a moissanite tester to measure electrical conductivity. Additionally, seeking a professional appraisal can confirm the stone’s authenticity.
A combination of these methods will give you a comprehensive understanding of whether your moissanite is genuine.
How can I test my moissanite at home?
Use the fog test or newspaper test. These simple methods can help you identify moissanite based on its physical properties.
The fog test takes advantage of moissanite’s superior heat dissipation, while the newspaper test utilizes its double refraction properties.
For added accuracy, consider using a thermal conductivity tester if available.
How do you authenticate moissanite?
Seek a professional appraisal or use a moissanite tester. Additionally, always request a certificate of authenticity when purchasing.
A reputable jeweler can provide an in-depth evaluation and ensure the stone is genuine.
The certificate of authenticity will also include detailed information about the gemstone’s quality and characteristics.
How do we check the quality of moissanite?
Examine the clarity and cut of the stone. High-quality moissanite will have minimal inclusions and a well-proportioned cut.
Always ensure you receive a certificate of authenticity that details these characteristics.
Additionally, check for a reputable gemological lab’s grading report, which can provide further assurance of the stone’s quality.
This report will offer a comprehensive analysis of the gemstone’s attributes, confirming its authenticity and ensuring you are purchasing a top-quality moissanite.