What is the difference between lab-grown diamonds and natural diamonds?

Lab-grown diamonds are becoming a popular choice for jewelry. Lab-grown diamonds are difficult to distinguish from natural diamonds without professional testing equipment, and their chemical, optical and physical properties and crystal structure are basically the same as those of natural diamonds.

But some people say, “Lab-grown diamonds aren’t as good as you say, and they still look different than diamonds.” Then, it is likely that the Moissanite diamond is mistaken for a lab-grown diamond. Yes, lab-grown diamonds are not the same thing as moissanite diamonds or natural diamonds.

Lab-grown diamonds, which are artificial diamonds, are composed of the same basic element of carbon as natural diamonds. It is cultivated through technology that simulates the environment in which natural diamonds are formed. Therefore, the physical, chemical, and optical characteristics of a cultivated diamond are the same as those of a natural diamond. Compared to natural diamonds, only the place and conditions of formation are different.

The current processes commonly used for lab-grown diamonds are the MPCVD method and the HPHT method, which are diamonds manufactured artificially in a laboratory or factory. It is often referred to as laboratory lab-grown diamonds/synthetic diamonds.

The chemical composition of a moissanite diamond is silicon carbide, and most of the time the term moissanite diamond is used in the market to refer to artificially grown crystals. There are also natural moissanite diamonds, usually known as moissanite, but they are very rare and were first discovered in the late nineteenth century in meteorite craters, a mineral found only in meteorites, and are very rare in quantity. The moissanite diamonds prevalent in the market, on the other hand, are new synthetic minerals that are made through a laboratory simulation of the environment in which natural diamonds are formed.

The color of Moissanite diamonds is still different from that of lab-grown and natural diamonds. The color of the best quality American moissanite diamonds can only reach DF, and the color of domestic moissanite should be below G. Secondly, the hardness of moissanite diamonds is lower than that of natural diamonds, at 9.25, while the hardness of lab-grown diamonds is the same as that of natural diamonds, at 10.

However, Moissanite diamonds have a relatively higher fire color, which is more diffuse under spotlights or sunlight, giving them a stunning look, while lab-grown diamonds are relatively clear and understated, in line with natural diamonds.

Both lab-grown and moissanite diamonds are measured by the same 4Cs as natural diamonds, and there are advantages and disadvantages. However, the retail price of Moissanite diamonds is the most affordable for the same quality, while lab-grown diamonds are slightly higher, but much lower than the same level of natural diamonds.