Moissanite Properties

Superior Brilliance & Fire

These photographs demonstrate why Fiona Moissanite’s superior brilliance and fire make it a gemstone whose stunning beauty is unmatched by any other. Compare a Fiona Moissanite brilliance and fire to any other jewel and you will see why we say it is unlike any gemstone ever seen.

one-carat diamond in water

A one-carat diamond in water with a high intensity light shining on it.

The effective brilliance (refractive index) is displayed by the length of the light specks and the size of the ring of specks in proximity to the center of the diamond.

The fire (dispersion) is displayed by the spectrum of color associated with each speck.

Fiona Moissanite jewel

A one-carat Fiona Moissanite jewel in water with a high intensity light shining on it.

The superior brilliance (refractive index) is clearly displayed by the increased length of the light specks and the larger size of the ring of specks.

The superior fire (dispersion) is clearly displayed by the deep, intense spectrum of color associated with each speck.

Moissanite jewel side-by-side

A one carat Fiona Moissanite jewel side-by-side with a one carat diamond in water with a high intensity light shining on them.

The superior brilliance of Fiona Moissanite is displayed by the ring of specks extending beyond that of diamond.

The superior fire of Fiona Moissanite is displayed by the intense color spectrum of the Moissanite light specks when compared to the diamond light specks.

Moissanite created by Charles & Colvard, its superior brilliance and fire make it unlike any jewel ever seen.

Durability & Hardness

Moissanites are known to be one of the hardest gemstones on earth next to diamonds which makes them last forever!

The durability of a gemstone is determined by its hardness, or resistance to scratching, and its toughness, or resistance to chipping or cleaving. A simple scale based on empirical tests has been developed and is called the Mohs Hardness Scale.

Moissanite created by Charles & Colvard, at 9.25 Mohs, is second in hardness only to diamond and incredibly tough. During the development of created moissanite jewels, extensive real-world wear tests were performed by women in a variety of professions, from bank teller to dog groomer to office worker. These wear tests confirmed that Fiona Moissanite gemstones out-perform most gemstones in terms of durability.


Superior Heat Resistance


The following pictures demonstrate the superior heat resistance of created moissanite jewels compared to diamond.

moissanite jewel and a diamond

A moissanite jewel and a diamond are placed in a high temperature oven. The temperature in the oven is increased and a flow of oxygen is introduced.

Diamond catches fire

As the oven reaches 1100° C, the diamond catches fire and begins to vaporize. At this point, the heat to the oven is turned off and the diamond will continue to burn until…

Moissanite jewel

…the diamond has completely vaporized. The moissanite jewel remains intact and as brilliant as the day it was created.

Moissanite Cut & Shape

















Fancy Fiona

The cutting specifications for Fiona Moissanite jewels are designed to maximize the brilliance and fire inherent in the material. To maximize the light reflecting from a faceted Moissanite jewel requires the design of shapes with proportions and angles unlike any other jewel.

Using computer modelling, we create proprietary designs to display the maximum light reflection based on the optical properties (i.e. fire, brilliance and lustre) of Moissanite jewels. A unique version of the round brilliant cut was the first shape developed applying these computer models. On popular demand we designed new fancy shapes that eliminate dark areas commonly found in other gemstones with these fancy cuts. We believe these proprietary designs enhance Moissanite’s physical properties for the superior optical performance observed in faceted Moissanite jewels.

Moissanite Clarity

  1. What is the clarity of Moissanite?

    For the purpose of comparison to natural diamonds, experts agree the clarity of Moissanite gemstones is equivalent to a VVS diamond clarity grading. Needle-like inclusions are inherent to the Moissanite crystal growth process which can only be seen under magnification and are invisible to the naked eye.

  2. How is Moissanite graded for clarity?

    Using a 10x loupe, each individual jewel is examined for inclusions that may affect the optical performance of the jewel. Only Moissanite graded as “eye-clean” is available for sale with Fiona Moissanite.

  3. Does higher clarity Moissanite exist?

    IF or F clarity Moissanite does not exist despite the unscrupulous claims of some retailers.

Moissanite Color

There are 2 color grades of Moissanites available as follows:

  • The classic Forever Brilliant Moissanite which is comparable to I-J color of diamonds. The Forever One variant of Moissanite is comparable to G-H color of diamonds.
  • All Fiona Moissanite gemstones are Forever Brilliant grade. And stones above 6.0 mm are inscribed with “Forever Brilliant” mark on the girdle and accompanied with the certificate for the same.

Due to the high level of light dispersion, Round Brilliant stones appear the whitest, followed by Square Brilliant and Oval stones. Radiant stones and especially the Pear and Marquise stones have lower light dispersion so the color will be more apparent. The color is also more apparent in Princess than in Square Brilliant. However, please keep in mind that even “near-colorless” stones are very white, are cut to maximize light dispersion.

Below are some comparisons between Classic Moissanite and Forever Brilliant Moissanite:


Moissanite Carat

Carat is the traditional measuring unit of a diamond’s weight (1 carat = 200 milligrams). A carat is divided into 100 “points,” so the same diamond can be represented as weighing a carat and a half, 150 points or 1.50 carats.

Moissanite is lighter by 15 – 18% in weight than a diamond, so it is best to refer to it in millimeters only. For example a diamond which measures 6.5 mm in diameter weighs 1 carat whereas a Moissanite of the same size will weigh approximately 0.87 carat.