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Moissanite is loved for its diamond-like brilliance, durability, and affordability. The earth's second-hardest gem, it comes in second only to diamonds on the Mohs  scale, so it is very well-regarded as a choice gem for designer jewelry and engagement rings. Most people think Moissanite will be forever flawless—but then something unexpected happens: their otherwise gorgeous stone becomes dull or cloudy.

So does Moissanite get cloudy? The short answer: the gem itself never gets dull permanently, but some external conditions may make it less sparkly in the long term. Let's discover why that happens and what you can do to regain that sparkly glow.

Understanding Moissanite's Composition & Durability

One of the greatest draws of Moissanite is how durable it is. With a hardness of 9.25 on the Mohs scale, it's more scratch-resistant than most gemstones, so it's perfect for everyday wear. Compared to cubic zirconia that is easily scratched, Moissanite keeps its structural integrity for decades.

The most important thing to keep in mind is that cloudiness in Moissanite is not caused by internal flaws. Natural diamonds sometimes form inclusions or internal fractures, but the crystal structure of Moissanite is more consistent. Instead, dullness usually results from surface problems—things that absorb or disrupt the light from bouncing back as it should. Which means returning your Moissanite's sparkle should be quite simple.

Why Does Moissanite Get Cloudy

Even the most flawless Moissanite can lose its sparkle if it touches some of the usual things in your environment. Here are the main culprits:

Dirt, Oils, and Residue Buildup

Perfume, lotion, makeup, and oils from your skin will leave residue on your stone. These will later create a thin layer that scatters light as it bounces back, making the gemstone appear cloudy.

Hard Water or Soap Scum

Washing hands or showering while wearing the ring will leave behind hard water minerals. Shampoo and dish soap also leave behind a stubborn residue, like the sort that's found on glassware.

Low-Quality or Coated Moissanite

Natural Moissanite isn't coated to be dazzling, but substandard stones do have surface coatings to produce additional color. Surface coatings chip or wear off and can form a hazy look.

Scratches or Surface Damage

While Moissanite is resistant to scratches, it's not scratch-proof. Deep scratches—generally the result of careless contact with hard surfaces—will diffuse light asymmetrically and lose luster.

Environmental Factors

Inhaling pool water with chlorinated chemicals, exposure to saltwater, or exposure to household cleaning agents may leave a residue or create a surface reaction that dulls the stone's appearance.

How to Clean and Restore Your Moissanite's Brilliance

The bright side? A cloudy Moissanite, in most cases, may be returned to full brilliance with a good cleaning. Following is how to clean Moissanite safely and successfully:

• Create a Warm, Soapy Liquid: Mild dish soap only (no moisturizers) in warm water. Never heavy-duty soaps or abrasive cleaners.
• Soak the Jewelry: Soak the Moissanite jewelry in the liquid for 15-20 minutes to loosen grime.
• Delicately Brush the Stone: Clean the surrounding area of the setting and underneath the stone, where dirt tends to accumulate, with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
• Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse in warm water to get all soap off. Hard water stains, so distilled water is best if possible.
• Dry with Lint-Free Cloth: Wipe off all remaining water spots with a jewelry cleaner cloth and add the shine.

But for stubborn residue, use an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner—but check your ring's setting type first, as vibration might loosen some prongs.

How to Prevent Future Cloudiness

Prevention is the best way to keep your Moissanite looking new:

• Remove Jewelry Before Applying Products: Remove your ring when applying lotion, perfume, or makeup.
• Protect from Severe Conditions: Take off jewelry when swimming, cleaning, or heavy handwork.
• Clean Frequently: Clean your Moissanite weekly to prevent buildup from getting set.
• Professional Check-Ups: Have your ring checked yearly to make certain that the setting remains secure and that the stone is not damaged.

By taking these simple steps, you’ll minimize the risk of dullness and extend your stone’s brilliance for years.

Moissanite vs Cubic Zirconia vs Diamond

It must be mentioned that while all the three stones are prone to losing brilliance due to residue and dirt, Moissanite is far more durable than cubic zirconia in the long term. Cubic zirconia is softer (8–8.5 on the Mohs scale) and may get scratched easily, leading to permanent dullness in the long term. Diamonds, being harder, may also have residue like Moissanite.

For consumers who love glint and durability at a price lower than diamond, Moissanite offers just the right combination—and great Moissanite reviews always confirm its long-term brilliance well cared for.

Keep Your Moissanite Brilliant with Romalar

In keeping with the fact that environmental deposits give Moissanite a cloudy appearance, the gem loses none of its brilliance. With proper cleaning and timely maintenance, you can easily get it shining like before in no time at all.

If you're searching for an engagement ring or wish to add a finishing touch to your jewelry collection, Romalar has your Moissanite glowing as beautifully as the very first day it was placed on your finger. 

With the right care and the right craftsmanship, your Moissanite will keep turning heads for a lifetime.