Most of the time, Moissanite and Cubic Zirconia are the most common of the two stones that people choose for jewelry, especially engagement rings. Both stones are popular options to diamonds because they are beautiful, don’t cost as much, and are readily available.
What are Moissanite and Cubic Zirconia?
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Moissanite was first found in the hole of a meteor. It is famous for being very resistant to fire and lasting a long time.
Cubic Zirconia, on the other hand, is extremely valuable because it is lab-made and has a sparkle that looks like a diamond.
Moissanite vs Cubic Zirconia: Which One Lasts Longer?
If you are looking for a beautiful and affordable alternative to diamonds, you might be wondering whether to choose Moissanite or Cubic Zirconia.
Both stones are popular options for jewelry, especially engagement rings, because they have a similar appearance to diamonds but cost much less. However, there are some differences between them that affect their durability and longevity.
In this article, we will compare Moissanite and Cubic Zirconia in terms of:
- Hardness
- Heat and chemical resistance
- Aging
- Wear and tear
- Value for money
By the end of this article, you will have a better idea of which stone is more suitable for your needs and preferences.
Hardness
One of the first things to consider when comparing Moissanite and Cubic Zirconia is their hardness. Hardness is a measure of how resistant a material is to scratching and abrasion. The higher the hardness, the less likely the material is to get damaged by everyday wear and tear.
The most common way to measure hardness is by using the Mohs scale, which ranges from 1 (softest) to 10 (hardest). For reference, diamond is the hardest material on earth, with a Mohs rating of 10.
Moissanite and Cubic Zirconia are both very hard materials, but not equally so. Moissanite has a Mohs rating of 9.25, which makes it the second-hardest gemstone after diamond. Cubic Zirconia, on the other hand, has a Mohs rating of 8.5, which is still very high but slightly lower than Moissanite.
What does this mean for their durability? It means that Moissanite is more resistant to scratching and abrasion than Cubic Zirconia, and can maintain its shine and brilliance for longer.
Cubic Zirconia, while still very hard, is more prone to getting scratched and worn down over time, especially if it is not cleaned and cared for properly.
Heat and Chemical Resistance
Another factor that affects the durability and longevity of Moissanite and Cubic Zirconia is their resistance to heat and chemicals. Heat and chemicals can cause some materials to change their color, clarity, or shape, which can affect their appearance and value.
Moissanite and Cubic Zirconia have different levels of resistance to heat and chemicals, depending on their origin and composition. Moissanite is a naturally occurring mineral that was first discovered in a meteor crater.
It is composed of silicon carbide, which is a very stable and resilient material. Cubic Zirconia, on the other hand, is a synthetic material that was created in a laboratory. It is composed of zirconium oxide, which is a less stable and more reactive material.
Because of their different compositions, Moissanite and Cubic Zirconia react differently to heat and chemicals. Moissanite can withstand high temperatures and chemical exposure without any adverse effects.
It can retain its color, clarity, and shape even under extreme conditions. Cubic Zirconia, however, can be damaged by high temperatures and some chemicals. It can lose its color, clarity, or shape if it is exposed to too much heat or certain substances.
Aging: How Well Do They Age?
Another thing to consider when comparing Moissanite and Cubic Zirconia is how well they age. Aging is a process that affects the appearance and value of a material over time. Some materials age gracefully, while others age poorly.
Moissanite and Cubic Zirconia have different aging processes, depending on their hardness and stability. Moissanite, as we have seen, is a very hard and stable material that can resist scratching and abrasion.
It can also resist heat and chemicals, which can cause some materials to fade or cloud over time. Because of these properties, Moissanite can keep its shine and brightness for a very long time, even if it is used every day. Moissanite is known to age gracefully, and can even increase in value over time.
Cubic Zirconia, on the other hand, is a less hard and stable material that can be scratched and abraded. It can also be damaged by heat and chemicals, which can cause it to lose its color, clarity, or shape.
Because of these properties, Cubic Zirconia can lose its shine and brightness over time, especially if it is not cleaned and cared for properly. Cubic Zirconia is known to age poorly, and can decrease in value over time.
Wear and Tear: How Well Do They Stand Up to Everyday Wear?
Everyday wear is the amount of stress and damage that a material experiences from normal use, such as rubbing, bumping, or dropping.
Moissanite and Cubic Zirconia have different levels of resistance to everyday wear, depending on their hardness and toughness. Hardness, as we have seen, is a measure of how resistant a material is to scratching and abrasion.
Toughness, on the other hand, is a measure of how resistant a material is to chipping and cracking.
Moissanite and Cubic Zirconia are both very hard materials, but not equally tough. Moissanite has a high level of toughness, which means it can resist chipping and cracking very well.
Cubic Zirconia, on the other hand, has a lower level of toughness, which means it can be more prone to chipping and cracking.
What does this mean for their wear and tear? It means that Moissanite can handle everyday wear better than Cubic Zirconia, and can maintain its shape and integrity for longer.
Cubic Zirconia, while still very hard, can be more susceptible to breaking or losing its shape over time, especially if it is subjected to impact or pressure.
Value for Money: Which One Gives You More Bang for Your Buck?
Value for money is a measure of how much benefit or satisfaction you get from a product or service compared to how much you pay for it.
Moissanite and Cubic Zirconia have different levels of value for money, depending on their price, quality, and longevity.
Moissanite is more expensive than Cubic Zirconia, but it also has a higher quality and longevity. Cubic Zirconia is cheaper than Moissanite, but it also has a lower quality and longevity.
What does this mean for their value for money? It means that Moissanite might be worth the extra money if you are looking for a high-quality, long-lasting, and valuable stone that can rival diamonds.
Cubic Zirconia might be a good choice if you are looking for a low-cost, diamond-like stone that can still look beautiful and elegant.
Conclusion
Moissanite and Cubic Zirconia are both popular alternatives to diamonds that have a similar appearance but cost much less. However, there are some differences between them that affect their durability and longevity.
We have found that Moissanite is generally more durable and long-lasting than Cubic Zirconia, and can offer a higher value for money if you are looking for a high-quality, long-lasting, and valuable stone that can rival diamonds.
Cubic Zirconia, on the other hand, is generally less durable and long-lasting than Moissanite, and can offer a lower value for money if you are looking for a low-cost, diamond-like stone that can still look beautiful and elegant.
The choice between Moissanite and Cubic Zirconia ultimately depends on your personal preferences and budget. You should weigh the pros and cons of both stones before making a decision. We hope this article has helped you make an informed and confident choice. Happy shopping!