Cubic Zirconia and Moissanite: What’s the Diff?
Tuesday, November 3rd, 2009We’ve covered this a bit in the past, but sometimes we see the terms cubic zirconia and moissanite used interchangeably and wanted to list out some differences in terms of look and price. Both are synthetic when used in jewelry. While moissanite tends to cost more, it lacks the whiteness and clarity of cubic zirconia and is more easily distinguishable from real diamonds. Moissanite is, however, harder than cubic zirconia, contributing to its greater luster. Depending on the characteristics that are important to you (e.g. clarity vs. fire), you may decide to purchase one over the other.
Here are a few more differences:
“HARDNESS: Diamond is the hardest gemstone, measuring 10 on the Mohs hardness scale. Although Cubic Zirconia is considered a hard stone (8.5), Moissanite is a very hard stone (9.25). The higher on the hardness scale, the better the luster and the lower likelihood of surface scratches.
REFRACTIVE INDEX (BRILLIANCE): Diamonds and Cubic Zirconia are both singly refractive. Moissanite is highly doubly refractive, which results in a rather noticeable “doubling” of facets when viewed visually. While CZ is so visually close to a diamond as to be difficult to see a difference, this is the most important identifying characteristic for separating Moissanite from a diamond or Cubic Zirconia.
DISPERSION (FIRE): Moissanite has nearly 2-1/2 times the fire of a diamond – which is excessive to some but more beautiful to others. Cubic Zirconia has slightly more fire than a diamond, but the difference is almost visually indistinguishable.”

