Introduction
If you’ve ever shopped for an engagement ring or browsed sparkling gemstones online, chances are you’ve come across moissanite. Known for its dazzling brilliance and affordable price, moissanite has become one of the most popular alternatives to diamonds.
But here’s a question many buyers ask: Will moissanite pass a diamond tester?
The short answer is: yes, often it will. But there’s more to the story. Let’s break down how diamond testers work, how moissanite compares to diamonds, and what every buyer should know before choosing their perfect stone.
Index
How Does a Diamond Tester Work?
A diamond tester is a small handheld device used by jewelers to confirm whether a stone is a real diamond.
Thermal conductivity testers – These measure how quickly heat moves through the stone. Diamonds conduct heat extremely well, which is why these testers can detect them.
Moissanite and thermal conductivity – Moissanite also conducts heat almost as efficiently as diamonds, which often leads testers to mistake it for a diamond. This is why moissanite can sometimes “pass” as a diamond when only a basic tester is used.
Will Moissanite Pass a Diamond Tester?
Yes—most moissanite stones will pass a traditional thermal diamond tester. This is because moissanite’s heat conductivity is very close to that of diamonds. In fact, many jewelers used to rely solely on thermal testers, which caused confusion between the two stones.
Today, newer devices known as multi-testers combine thermal and electrical conductivity to differentiate moissanite from diamonds. Moissanite conducts electricity, while diamonds do not, so a modern tester can usually tell the difference.
Why Moissanite Looks Like a Diamond
Even beyond testers, moissanite is often confused with diamonds because of its physical and optical properties:
- Brilliance and Sparkle: Moissanite actually has a higher refractive index (2.65–2.69) than diamond (2.42). This means moissanite gives off even more sparkle and rainbow flashes of light, also known as “fire.”
- Durability: Diamond ranks 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness. Moissanite is close behind at 9.25, making it highly resistant to scratches and excellent for daily wear.
- Clarity and Color: Lab-created moissanite usually comes with fewer inclusions and a near-colorless appearance. Many buyers find moissanite as visually appealing—or even more so—than natural diamonds.
Key Takeaway for Buyers
If someone tells you they’ll “test” your ring to see if it’s a diamond, be aware:
- Standard testers may not tell the difference.
- Only advanced testing tools or professional jewelers can accurately distinguish moissanite from a diamond.
So yes, moissanite can pass a diamond tester—but that’s not a bad thing! It only shows how close moissanite is to diamonds in quality and appearance.
Should You Choose Moissanite?
If you want a gemstone that:
- Looks almost identical to a diamond
- Is durable enough for everyday wear
- Costs a fraction of the price
- Comes from an ethical, sustainable source
Then moissanite is an excellent choice. Whether you’re buying an engagement ring, anniversary gift, or a piece of everyday jewelry, moissanite gives you brilliance without breaking the bank.
Final Thoughts
So, will moissanite pass a diamond tester? It depends on the tester. With basic tools, moissanite might be mistaken for a diamond, but with advanced testing, it can be correctly identified.
Instead of seeing this as a drawback, think of it as proof of how remarkable moissanite is. It is a gemstone so close to diamond that even specialized tools are needed to tell them apart. For many couples, that makes moissanite the perfect choice, it’s beautiful, durable, and accessible.
