How to Tell If Moissanite Is Real: A Diamond Expert’s Complete Guide

When buying fine jewelry, especially engagement rings, one of the most common questions buyers ask is how to tell if moissanite is real. Because moissanite closely resembles a diamond and is often confused with cubic zirconia or low-quality simulants, knowing how to identify genuine moissanite is essential for making a confident purchase.

As a diamond and gemstone expert, this professional guide is written to help you understand how to tell if moissanite is real at home, how to differentiate a real diamond from moissanite, and how to spot fake moissanite. This article is crafted specifically for educated buyers and engagement ring shoppers at KRK Jewels.

What is Real Moissanite?

Real moissanite is a gemstone made from silicon carbide (SiC). Unlike cubic zirconia, which is a diamond imitation, moissanite is considered a premium gemstone in its own right. Today, all moissanite used in fine jewelry is lab-created to ensure clarity, durability, and ethical sourcing.

Key characteristics of genuine moissanite include:

• Hardness of 9.25 on the Mohs scale (second only to diamond)

• Exceptional brilliance and fire

• High durability for everyday wear

• Long-lasting clarity with minimal maintenance

How to Tell If Moissanite is Real at Home

While professional testing provides the most accurate results, several at-home methods can help you identify real moissanite.

1. Observe the Sparkle and Fire

Moissanite reflects light differently from diamonds and fake stones.

• Real moissanite produces strong rainbow flashes (fire)

• Diamonds show more white light sparkle

• Fake stones often appear dull or glassy

If your stone displays intense, colorful flashes under sunlight or LED lighting, it is likely real moissanite.

2. Check for Double Refraction

Moissanite is doubly refractive, meaning light splits as it passes through the stone.

How to check:

• Look through the stone from the side or the bottom

• Examine the facet edges closely

If you notice slightly doubled or blurred facet lines, this is a strong indicator of genuine moissanite. Diamonds do not show this effect.

3. Perform the Fog Test

The fog test is one of the easiest ways to check authenticity at home.

Steps:

• Breathe lightly on the stone

• Observe how quickly the fog disappears

Results:

• Real moissanite clears fog almost instantly

• Fake stones retain fog for longer

This happens because moissanite conducts heat efficiently, similar to diamonds.

4. Assess Scratch Resistance

Moissanite is extremely hard and resistant to scratches.

• If the stone scratches easily, it is not real moissanite

• Clouding or surface damage is a sign of imitation stones

⚠️ This test should never be done on mounted jewelry and is best left to professionals.

5. Evaluate the Weight

Moissanite has a slightly lower density than diamond but is heavier than cubic zirconia.

• CZ feels noticeably lighter

• Moissanite has a solid, premium weight

Comparing similar-sized stones can help identify imitations.

How to Tell If a Diamond is Real or Moissanite

Because moissanite and diamond look very similar, confusion between the two is common.

Diamond Tester Limitations

Standard diamond testers measure thermal conductivity.

• Diamonds and moissanite both pass thermal tests

• This often leads to misidentification

Only advanced testers that measure electrical conductivity can accurately separate diamond from moissanite.

Visual Differences

Under bright lighting:

• Diamonds reflect sharper white light

• Moissanite displays more colorful flashes

Moissanite’s fire becomes especially noticeable in sunlight or showroom lighting.

Loupe or Microscope Inspection

Under 10x magnification:

• Diamonds show single refraction

• Moissanite may show doubled facet junctions

This is one of the most reliable visual methods used by jewelers.

How to Tell If Moissanite Is Real or Fake

Not all stones sold as moissanite are genuine. Some sellers substitute cubic zirconia or glass.

Signs of Fake Moissanite

• Dull or cloudy appearance

• Scratches or chips easily

• Weak sparkle and poor light return

• Extremely low price without certification

Authentic moissanite maintains brilliance and clarity over time.

Importance of Certification

Reputable jewelers provide documentation such as:

• Moissanite certification or grading report

• Stone specifications and quality details

• Authenticity guarantees

Certification is one of the safest ways to confirm you are buying real moissanite.

Professional Testing Methods

For complete certainty, a certified jeweler or gemologist can perform:

• Electrical conductivity testing

• Advanced optical analysis

• Laboratory gemstone identification

These methods offer 100% accurate results and are recommended for high-value jewelry.

Why Buy Moissanite from a Trusted Jeweler?

Choosing a trusted jeweler ensures:

• Verified gemstone authenticity

• Ethical and conflict-free sourcing

• Superior craftsmanship

• Long-term value and peace of mind

At KRK Jewels, every moissanite piece is carefully tested and crafted to meet high-quality standards expected in fine jewelry.

Conclusion

Understanding how to tell if moissanite is real protects you from imitation stones and helps you invest confidently. While at-home tests provide helpful indicators, professional verification and certification remain the most reliable methods.

Whether you are choosing an engagement ring or fine jewelry piece, real moissanite offers exceptional brilliance, durability, and beauty—when authenticity is guaranteed. Buying from a trusted jeweler ensures your gemstone delivers lasting value and confidence.