White Sapphire Vs Moissanite
There are a number of diamond alternatives out there. You have both lab made and natural stones that can be substituted for diamonds. However, there are very large differences when you go past what a stone looks like at a glance. If you really examine a stone, the differences are stark. You just need to know what to look for. That said, we get why people might mistake a diamond for moissanite or white sapphire. In this post, we will talk about White Sapphire Vs Moissanite. The similarities, difference, and how to tell them apart will all be discussed. And hopefully you will have the info you need to discern between White Sapphire Vs Moissanite after this.
What Is White Sapphire
A white sapphire is a gemstone that belongs to the corundum family, just like the more well-known blue sapphire and ruby. It is a naturally occurring mineral composed of aluminum oxide with trace amounts of other elements. White sapphires are prized for their brilliance and durability, making them a popular choice for engagement rings and other jewelry pieces. While they may not have the same vibrant color as other gemstones, their colorless appearance gives them a timeless and elegant appeal. White sapphires are also more affordable compared to diamonds, making them a great alternative for those seeking a stunning and budget-friendly option.
One of the key characteristics of white sapphires is their hardness. On the Mohs scale, which measures the hardness of minerals, sapphires rank at a 9 out of 10, just below diamonds. This makes them highly resistant to scratches and suitable for everyday wear. White sapphires also have a high refractive index, which means they have excellent light dispersion and can create dazzling flashes of light. They are often cut in a variety of shapes, such as round, oval, or cushion, to maximize their brilliance.
It is important to note that white sapphires may have some natural inclusions or imperfections, which can affect their clarity. However, these imperfections are often not visible to the naked eye. Nor do they detract from the overall beauty of the stone. To enhance their appearance, white sapphires are sometimes treated with heat to improve their clarity and color. This treatment is considered standard in the industry and does not affect the durability or value of the gemstone.
What Is Moissanite
Moissanite is a gemstone that has gained popularity as an alternative to diamonds. It was first discovered by French chemist Henri Moissan in 1893, hence the name. Moissanite is composed of silicon carbide and possesses a brilliance and fire that is comparable to diamonds. It is also known for its durability, ranking at 9.25 on the Mohs scale of hardness. Moissanite is often used in jewelry, particularly engagement rings, due to its affordability and beauty. It is a great option for those who want a stunning gemstone without the high price tag of a diamond.
White Sapphire Vs Moissanite – The Similarities
White Sapphire and Moissanite are two popular gemstones that share several similarities. Firstly, both White Sapphire and Moissanite are known for their brilliant white color, which closely resembles that of a diamond. This makes them both excellent alternatives to diamond engagement rings or other jewelry pieces. Additionally, both gemstones have a high level of hardness, with White Sapphire ranking at a 9 on the Mohs scale and Moissanite at a 9.25. This means that both gemstones are highly durable and resistant to scratches, making them suitable for everyday wear. Lastly, both White Sapphire and Moissanite offer exceptional brilliance and fire, meaning they reflect light beautifully and have a high level of sparkle. Overall, these similarities make both White Sapphire and Moissanite attractive choices for those seeking affordable and eye-catching gemstones.
Cleavage
Both White sapphire and moissanite do not exhibit cleavage. Cleavage in a gemstone refers to the way the gemstone breaks or splits along certain planes or directions. It is an important characteristic to consider when evaluating gemstone quality. Gemstones with good cleavage have clean, smooth breaks, while those with poor cleavage may have jagged or uneven breaks. Cleavage is determined by the crystal structure of the gemstone, which can vary from one type of gemstone to another. Gemstones with perfect cleavage are more likely to break easily, while those with no cleavage are more durable. Understanding cleavage can help gemstone enthusiasts and jewelers identify and handle gemstones properly.
Magnetism
Magnetism in a gemstone refers to its ability to attract or repel other magnetic materials. It is a fascinating property that can be found in certain gemstones. Gemstones with magnetic properties are known as magnetic gemstones. These gemstones contain minerals that have a natural magnetic field. When a magnetic gemstone comes into contact with a magnet, it will either be attracted to or repelled by the magnet, depending on the specific properties of the gemstone. Neither White Sapphire or Moissanite are magnetic.
White Sapphire Vs Moissanite – The Differences
The main difference between White Sapphire Vs Moissanite is that one is man made. Moissanite is based on high rare natural stone, but synthesized in a lab. Same as lab diamonds. White sapphire is a natural gemstone that is colorless and transparent. It is a form of the mineral corundum, which is also the same mineral that makes up rubies and sapphires of other colors. White sapphire is known for its brilliance and durability, making it a popular choice for those looking for a diamond alternative that still offers a high level of sparkle.
On the other hand, moissanite is a lab-created gemstone that is made of silicon carbide. It is known for its exceptional brilliance and fire, often surpassing that of diamonds. Moissanite is also highly durable and resistant to scratches, making it a great choice for everyday wear.
Clarity
When comparing the clarity of White Sapphire Vs Moissanite, it’s important to consider their respective characteristics. White Sapphire is a natural gemstone that is known for its high clarity. It has few inclusions and is generally considered to be a very clear gemstone. On the other hand, Moissanite is a lab-created gemstone that is also known for its clarity. It is created to have minimal inclusions and is often considered to be as clear as a diamond. Both White Sapphire and Moissanite offer excellent clarity options for those looking for a clear and sparkling gemstone. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and budget.
Color
When it comes to comparing White Sapphire Vs Moissanite in terms of color, there are some key differences to consider. White Sapphire is a naturally occurring gemstone that is known for its brilliance and sparkle. It typically has a near-colorless appearance, similar to a diamond. On the other hand, Moissanite is a lab-created gemstone that is known for its exceptional fire and brilliance. It has a slightly yellow or grayish tint, which can affect its overall color. However, recently, colorless moissanite stones have made it to market. In those cases, sapphires will have more of a yellowish tint.
Luster
When it comes to the luster in White Sapphire Vs Moissanite, both stones have their own unique qualities. White sapphire, which is a variety of corundum, possesses a brilliant and intense luster. Its refractive index is high, resulting in a dazzling sparkle. On the other hand, moissanite, a silicon carbide gemstone, also exhibits a high luster. Its refractive index is even higher than that of white sapphire, giving it an exceptional brilliance and fire.
Refractive Index
White sapphire has a refractive index of approximately 1.77 to 1.78. This means that when light enters the gemstone, it is bent or refracted at a relatively low angle. As a result, white sapphires tend to have a subtle sparkle and brilliance. They are known for their elegant and sophisticated appearance, making them a popular choice for engagement rings and other fine jewelry pieces.
On the other hand, moissanite has a much higher refractive index of approximately 2.65 to 2.69. This means that moissanite bends or refracts light at a much higher angle compared to white sapphire. As a result, moissanite gemstones exhibit a higher level of brilliance and fire. They have a dazzling sparkle that can rival that of diamonds, making them a popular alternative for those seeking a more affordable yet equally stunning gemstone option.
Double Vs Single Refraction
Another difference in White Sapphire Vs Moissanite is that Sapphire is singly refractive. This means it only has one refractive index. On the other hand, Moissanite is doubly refractive.
Double refraction is a fascinating phenomenon that occurs in certain gemstones. When light passes through these gemstones, it splits into two separate rays, each with a different velocity and direction. This creates a beautiful visual effect, as the gemstone appears to have a double image when viewed from different angles.
The scientific explanation behind double refraction lies in the crystal structure of these gemstones. Many gemstones, such as quartz and calcite, have a crystal lattice that is not symmetrical. As a result, the light waves passing through these crystals are split into two different polarizations, known as the ordinary and extraordinary rays.
This unique property of double refraction has practical applications in gemology. Gemologists can use polarized light to identify gemstones and determine their authenticity. By observing the double refraction patterns, they can distinguish between natural gemstones and synthetic imitations.
Hardness
When comparing their Mohs hardness in White Sapphire Vs Moissanite, white sapphire ranks higher at 9, while moissanite falls slightly higher at 9.25. This means that both gemstones are extremely durable and suitable for everyday wear. Only a diamond is harder than these two gemstones.
Density
One key difference in White Sapphire Vs Moissanite is their density. White sapphire has a density of 3.98 g/cm³, while moissanite has a density of 3.22 g/cm³. This means that white sapphire is denser than moissanite. The difference in density may affect the overall appearance and feel of the gemstones. It is important to consider density when choosing between white sapphire and moissanite, as it can impact the durability and brilliance of the gemstone.
Fluorescence
One key difference in White Sapphire Vs Moissanite is their fluorescence. White sapphire does not fluoresce under UV light, while moissanite exhibits strong fluorescence. This means that moissanite will emit a vibrant glow when exposed to UV light, giving it a unique and eye-catching quality. On the other hand, white sapphire will not exhibit any fluorescence, maintaining its natural color and appearance. Ultimately, the choice between white sapphire and moissanite fluorescence comes down to personal preference and the desired aesthetic for your engagement ring.
Price
When it comes to price differences in White Sapphire Vs Moissanite, there are a few key factors to consider.
First, white sapphire tends to have a wider price range than moissanite. This is mainly due to the fact that white sapphire is a natural gemstone, while moissanite is a lab-created gemstone. White sapphire can range from a cheap garbage quality to the highest quality, which can cost more than $1000 per carat. Despite that, white sapphire tends to be more affordable than moissanite. This is mainly due to the fact that white sapphire is a naturally occurring gemstone, while moissanite is a lab-created gemstone. The cost of production for moissanite is higher, which is reflected in its price.
Second, the size and quality of the gemstone can also affect the price. Larger and higher quality white sapphires and moissanites will naturally be more expensive. It’s important to consider your budget and preferences when choosing between the two.
Lastly, market demand and availability can also impact the price differences. White sapphires are more readily available and have been on the market for a longer time, which can contribute to their lower price compared to moissanite.
How To Tell The Difference Between White Sapphire Vs Moissanite
As discussed earlier, these two stones can look very similar to the untrained eye. However, there are some key differences that can help you tell them apart.
First, white sapphire is a natural gemstone, while moissanite is a lab-created gemstone. This means that white sapphire is formed naturally in the earth’s crust, while moissanite is made in a laboratory. This means that most white sapphires will have inclusions visible under a loupe.
Second, white sapphire is singly refractive while moissanite is doubly refractive. This can easily be seen with a magnifying glass. Look for doubling of facets or inclusions within the gemstone. If you see two distinct images, it is a good indication that the gemstone is doubly refractive. Remember, not all gemstones are doubly refractive, so it’s always best to consult with a gemologist or use specialized equipment for a definitive answer.
Another way to tell the difference between White Sapphire Vs Moissanite is with a diamond tester. A Moissanite will test positive as diamond while a white sapphire will not.
We Create Custom Jewelry
Whether you want a white sapphire or moissanite in your jewelry, we can help. We create custom jewelry. And that is pretty much all we do. What this means is that we source every stone for each custom jewelry creation. This isn’t as big if a deal with moissanite, but it is with white sapphire. Being a natural stone means there will be a wide variety of options in terms of color, size and clarity. However, if you are at a chain jewelry store, you will not have the same selection. You will be limited to what they have in stock.
You can view our portfolio of custom engagement rings or custom pendants to look for ideas. Or you can contact us with your own idea.. You would be surprised to find out that many times, we cost less than a comparable piece from a chain store. However, with us, you will get something made just for you.
