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Moissanite vs. cubic zirconia is a common comparison when exploring diamond alternatives. Both stones offer impressive sparkle without the high cost of a natural diamond, making them popular picks for engagement rings. But when it comes to durability, brilliance, and overall value, you might wonder: Is moissanite better than cubic zirconia?

This article breaks down their key differences to help you make a confident, informed choice.

What is Moissanite?

Moissanite is a type of silicon carbide and one of the most brilliant diamond-like gemstones available today. It sparkles beautifully, much like a diamond, but is chemically distinct. The mineral was first discovered in 1893 by French chemist Henri Moissan, who found tiny crystals while examining rocks from Arizona’s Canyon Diablo meteor crater^[1].

Because natural moissanite is extremely rare, the stones used in jewelry are lab-created. With a high refractive index of 2.65 and a dispersion of 0.104^[2], moissanite produces striking brilliance and colorful flashes. While it may look similar to a diamond, its crystal structure makes it easy for gemologists to tell the difference.

What is Cubic Zirconia?

Cubic zirconia alludes to a lab-grown, cubic-crystal form of zirconium dioxide. People commonly cut it like gemstones. It resists scratches but can chip if struck. What is more, its refractive index is 2.15-2.18^[3], and strong light dispersion gives it a bright fire. Yet, its high density—roughly twice that of quartz—adds heft. The material is usually flawless and colorless, yet trace dopants can tint it almost any hue. It's stable at high temperatures, conducts heat poorly, and has no natural cleavage. This renders it straightforward to fashion into many shapes.

Cubic zirconia is a lab-grown gemstone made from cubic crystals of zirconium dioxide. It’s commonly cut and polished, just like natural gems. While it resists scratches well, it can chip if struck hard.

With a refractive index between 2.15 and 2.18 and strong light dispersion, cubic zirconia shines with a bright, colorful sparkle. It’s also quite dense—about twice as heavy as quartz—which gives it a noticeable weight.

Usually flawless and colorless, it can be dyed almost any color by adding tiny amounts of other elements. This material is stable at high temperatures, has poor heat conduction, and lacks natural cleavage, making it easy to shape into various forms.

Differences between Moissanite vs. Cubic Zirconia

Choosing the Right Gemstone for Your Engagement Ring

When picking the ideal stone for your engagement ring, it's all about finding the right balance between beauty, durability, and budget. Here’s how moissanite and cubic zirconia (CZ) compare on the essentials:

Durability: Moissanite scores 9.5 on the Mohs scale, outlasting CZ at 8 in daily wear. If you plan to wear your ring daily, including during workouts, gardening, or even in the shower, moissanite offers better long-term performance.

Sparkle: With a high refractive index of 2.65, moissanite delivers exceptional brilliance and fiery flashes that many find even more dazzling than diamonds. CZ sparkles, too, but its lower refractive index results in a softer, glassier shine by comparison.

Price: If you're looking for a budget-friendly option, CZ is extremely affordable—often under $50 per carat. Moissanite typically costs a few hundred dollars per carat but still offers significant savings compared to diamonds, making it a smart middle ground.

Longevity: If funds are tight or you like to swap looks, CZ lets you go big now but may need replacing later as the surface dulls. If you want a ring to last decades and keep some value, moissanite is the steadier choice.

In due course, moissanite vs. cubic zirconia is a trade-off between lasting toughness and immediate savings; pick what fits your life first and your wallet second.

Explore Satisfying Rings from Romalar

Whether you're drawn to the enduring brilliance of moissanite or its remarkable value, finding a trusted brand is the next step in choosing the perfect ring. For those seeking elegance, durability, and ethical craftsmanship, Romalar stands out.

Romalar offers a curated collection of moissanite engagement rings that combine refined design with exceptional craftsmanship. Each piece features premium, lab-grown moissanite—carefully cut to maximize brilliance and fire.

Classic Round Moissanite Engagement Ring for Women

Timeless and refined, this ring features a 7mm, 1.2 ct lab-grown moissanite center stone, flanked by four delicate DEF, VS side stones (0.032 ct total). It’s a perfect choice for those who love understated brilliance with lasting quality.

Unique Round Cut Moissanite Wedding Band – Half Eternity Stacking Ring

For a modern twist, this design offers a 3mm, 0.1 ct round center stone surrounded by nine VS side stones (0.128 ct total). Its sleek half-eternity style makes it ideal for stacking or wearing solo with everyday ease.

Both pieces are crafted to order, ship free on baskets over $200, and sit proudly among our wider range of diamond alternatives—explore the rest of the collection and see how we keep lifelong sparkle simple.

 References

[1].Moissanite was Discovered in 1893 at Meteor Crater. Available at: https://barringercrater.com/blog/moissanite-discovered-in-1893-at-arizona-meteor-crater.(Accessed on May 27, 2025)

[2].Moissanite Characteristics. Available at: https://montelabdiamonds.com/mois-moissanite-characteristics/. (Accessed on May 27, 2025)

[3].Cubic zirconia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cubic_zirconia. (Accessed on May 27, 2025)