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Does Moissanite Pass a Diamond Tester?

Diamond testers are tools designed to identify whether a stone is a diamond by measuring thermal conductivity. Moissanite, a popular diamond alternative, has properties that can cause it to pass as a diamond on traditional diamond testers. This comprehensive guide explains why this occurs, how to differentiate moissanite from diamonds, and the most effective ways to test these stones accurately.

Will Moissanite Pass a Diamond Tester?

Yes, moissanite may pass a diamond tester. Diamond testers work by detecting how quickly heat transfers through a gemstone, and because moissanite exhibits high thermal conductivity, traditional diamond testers may mistakenly identify it as a diamond.   

However, it’s important to note that more advanced diamond testers can distinguish between a diamond and moissanite.

Moisssanite engagement ring and loose moissanites.

How Does Moissanite Pass a Diamond Tester?

The mechanics of a diamond tester involve applying heat to the gemstone and measuring the speed at which it disperses. Moissanite, like diamonds, disperses heat quickly enough to trigger a “diamond” reading in some traditional testers. This similarity underscores the need for alternative testing methods to confirm a stone’s identity.

Moisssanite engagement ring and loose moissanites.

Why Does Moissanite Pass a Diamond Tester?

Moissanite passes a diamond tester due to its exceptional thermal conductivity. This property stems from its unique crystal structure, which facilitates the rapid transfer of heat. In fact, moissanite conductivity of heat is a property it shares with natural and lab-grown diamonds, and the stone is almost as efficient in this respect as a diamond. 

Diamond testers are calibrated to detect this characteristic in diamonds, but moissanite’s comparable performance can lead to false positives.

Moisssanite engagement rings.

Does All Moissanite Pass a Diamond Tester?

Most moissanite stones will pass a traditional diamond tester due to their high thermal conductivity. However, slight variations in quality or size may affect the accuracy of the test. Advanced testing methods are necessary for reliable results across all moissanite samples.

Moisssanite engagement ring and wedding band.

How to Test Moissanite

To test moissanite, use a multi-tester that measures both thermal and electrical conductivity. These tools can accurately distinguish moissanite from diamonds.  

Visual tests, such as observing the stone’s brilliance or working with a professional jeweler who will look for “doubling” through magnification, can also provide information, though it is less definitive than specialized testing equipment. 

How to Test Diamond vs. Moissanite

To differentiate diamonds from moissanite, use a multi-tester that combines thermal and electrical conductivity measurements.  

Sometimes, it’s possible to distinguish moissanite and diamond by the naked eye. Moissanite exhibits a sparkle that is more colorful and intense than diamonds called “fire.” Moissanite’s higher refractive index contributes to this fiery, rainbow-like sparkle.  

For the most accurate information, we always recommend consulting a jeweler.

Moisssanite engagement rings.

FAQ

Do lab grown diamonds test as moissanite?

No, lab-grown diamonds do not test as moissanite. Lab-grown diamonds have the same physical and chemical properties as natural diamonds, so lab diamonds will pass diamond testers. They do not exhibit the electrical conductivity characteristic of moissanite.

Do CVD diamonds test as moissanite?

No, Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) diamonds are lab diamonds and therefore they do not test as moissanite. CVD diamonds are genuine diamonds with the same thermal and electrical conductivity properties as natural diamonds, ensuring they pass diamond testers without confusion.

Do HPHT diamonds test as moissanite?

High-Pressure High-Temperature (HPHT) diamonds also do not test as moissanite. Like CVD diamonds, HPHT diamonds are chemically identical to natural diamonds and will pass traditional and advanced diamond testers.