How to Authenticate Moissanite: Tips for Ensuring Quality and Authenticity

With its dazzling brilliance and affordability, moissanite has become a popular alternative to diamonds. However, as its popularity grows, so does the need to ensure that the moissanite jewellery you purchase is genuine and of high quality. Whether you’re buying a moissanite engagement ring or a stunning pair of earrings, here’s how you can authenticate moissanite and make an informed purchase.

1. The Double Refraction Test

One of the most reliable ways to identify moissanite is through its double refraction. Unlike diamonds, which are singly refractive, moissanite has a unique optical property that causes light to split into two as it passes through the gemstone. This double refraction results in a slightly fuzzy or duplicated effect when viewed under magnification.

How to Test for Double Refraction:

• Use a jeweler’s loupe (10x magnification or higher).
• Look at the facets through the stone’s girdle or edge.
• If you notice a doubling effect, you’re likely looking at moissanite.

2. Moissanite’s High Refractive Index

One of the reasons moissanite jewellery is so eye-catching is its exceptionally high refractive index (2.65 – 2.69), which is higher than that of a diamond (2.42). This means moissanite reflects more light, creating even more sparkle and fire.

How to Check Refractive Index:

• Hold the stone under bright light and observe the amount of brilliance and fire (colored flashes).
• If the stone appears to sparkle more intensely than a diamond, it’s likely moissanite.

3. The Fog Test

Both moissanite and diamonds are known for their ability to resist fogging due to their excellent heat conductivity. However, moissanite takes slightly longer to clear when exposed to breath or steam.

How to Perform the Fog Test:

• Breathe on the stone until it fogs up.
• If the fog dissipates instantly, it is likely a diamond.
• If it takes a few seconds longer to clear, it could be moissanite.

4. The Electrical Conductivity Test

Unlike diamonds, moissanite is electrically conductive. Jewelers often use moissanite testers that detect this property to differentiate it from diamonds.

How to Test Electrical Conductivity:

• Use a moissanite tester, which sends an electric current through the stone.
• If the stone conducts electricity, it is moissanite.
• If it does not conduct electricity, it could be a diamond or another gemstone.

5. The Hardness Test

While moissanite is slightly softer than a diamond, it is still one of the hardest gemstones available, scoring 9.25 on the Mohs hardness scale (diamonds score a perfect 10).

How to Perform a Hardness Test:

• Moissanite is highly scratch-resistant, but a professional jeweler can perform a controlled scratch test to confirm its hardness.
• Avoid using unverified scratch tests at home, as they can damage your stone.

6. Certification and Lab Reports

To ensure you are purchasing authentic moissanite, always buy from a reputable jeweler that provides certification. Authentic moissanite stones are graded for cut, color, and clarity, just like diamonds.

What to Look for in a Certificate:

• Certification from reputable labs such as GRA (Gemological Research Association) or Charles & Colvard.
• Detailed specifications on the stone’s cut, clarity, and carat weight.
• An authenticity guarantee from the jeweler.

7. UV Light Test

Some moissanite stones exhibit fluorescence under UV light, while diamonds generally do not. When exposed to UV light, moissanite may show a yellow, green, or blue glow.

How to Perform the UV Test:

• Use a blacklight or UV flashlight in a dark room.
• If the stone emits a distinct glow, it is likely moissanite.

Where to Buy Authentic Moissanite Jewellery

To ensure you are purchasing high-quality, authentic moissanite, buy from a trusted retailer like Moissanite Jewellery. Reputable sellers provide certified moissanite stones, ensuring that you get genuine, high-quality jewellery.

Final Thoughts

Authenticating moissanite is easier when you know what to look for. By performing simple tests such as checking for double refraction, electrical conductivity, and certification, you can confidently determine whether a stone is genuine moissanite. For a worry-free purchase, always buy from reputable jewellers who provide certified stones.

Ready to invest in moissanite jewellery? Explore stunning collections at Moissanite Jewellery and find the perfect piece that combines brilliance, durability, and ethical beauty.