Whenever we talk about white color gemstones, most of the time, diamonds pop up in our minds. However, diamonds are not the only gemstones that are fabled and sought-after in every corner of the world. Natural white sapphire and Moissanite, widely acknowledged as the two best substitutes for diamonds, are also equally revered and required due to their paramount astrological significance and cost-effectiveness.
Often white sapphires and moissanite are subjected to meticulous comparison because of remarkable similarity in color, properties, and astrological significance. While white sapphires belong to the corundum mineral family, Moissanite is a product of lab synthesis. One gemstone is natural while the other is the perfect replica of diamonds. The point here is despite sharing numerous similarities, white sapphires and Moissanite differ greatly in varied aspects.
In this handy blog post, we have drawn the most comprehensive comparison between White sapphire vs Moissanite on the basis of noteworthy parameters like origin, hardness, physical properties, value, color, etc that will help our valued users and gemstone enthusiasts across the world differentiate between these two gemstones rationally and in a crystal clear manner. Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
White Sapphire vs Moissanite: Origin
As stated above, an original white sapphire or Safed Pukhraj belongs to the predominant corundum mineral family, an integral mineral variant from where all sapphires are derived. It is later extracted from the heavy deposits of corundum via different scientific processes. In terms of availability, white sapphires are majorly found in Sri Lanka, Thailand, Burma, Cambodia, Australia, Tanzania, and Madagascar regions. Additionally, minor deposits of white sapphire are found in almost all corners of the world!
On the other hand, Moissanite is the result of lab synthesis under state-of-the-art facilities. Moissanite is primarily produced to quench the ever-increasing demand for natural diamonds that is daunting to satiate due to the scarcity factor. Moissanite can be produced effortlessly in any corner of the world if exemplary lab conditions are available. Though Moissanite occurs naturally as well but in minuscule quantities which is not sufficient to cater to the demands of customers.
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White Sapphire vs Moissanite: Hardness
When it comes to Hardness, White sapphires, and Moissanite are two of the hardest and most durable gemstones in existence. On the Mohs scale of hardness, Moissanite has a rating of 9.5 which is second to Diamond which has a perfect rating of 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness.
On the other hand, a natural white sapphire has a rating of 9 on the Mohs scale of Hardness, similar to Neelam stone, which makes it the third hardest gemstone in existence, only diamonds and Moissanite are harder than white sapphires. The extreme level of hardness of White sapphires and Moissanite make them exemplary to inculcate in the most expensive pieces of jewelry. However, Moissanite topples white sapphires in the hardness factor.
White Sapphire vs Moissanite: Physical Properties
- Hardness: White sapphire has a Mohs hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale, while moissanite is slightly harder at 9.25 rating on the same scale. Both are extremely hard gems, just under diamonds on the Mohs scale.
- Luster: White sapphire has an adamantine luster, meaning it has a brilliant shine. Moissanite also has a very high luster and brilliance. However, white sapphire’s luster easily eclipses Moissanite.
- Refractive Index: White sapphire has a refractive index of 1.766-1.804, while moissanite’s is higher at 2.65-2.69. This means moissanite has more “fire” and sparkle as it can bend the light more internally.
- Specific Gravity: White sapphire has a specific gravity of 3.95-4.03. Moissanite is lighter with a specific gravity of 3.21.
- Toughness: White sapphire is less tough than moissanite as the later has better hardness than the former one. Sapphire has no cleavage, while moissanite can chip or fracture.
- Color: The best white sapphires are totally colorless, while moissanite often has a slightly warm yellowish tint. Color grades are similar (D-F for white sapphire, D-H for moissanite).
In summary, White Sapphire tends to have a bit more brilliance and fire whereas Moissanite is harder and tougher overall. But both make beautiful, durable white gemstones.
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White Sapphire vs Moissanite: Color
White sapphire color: The highest quality white sapphires are totally colorless and fall in the D-F color range on the GIA grading scale. The lower grades exhibit a pale yellow or grayish tinge which indicates the shoddy quality of white sapphires.
Moissanite color: Moissanite also reaches color grades of D-H on the GIA scale, with D-E being colorless. However, most moissanite has a slightly warm yellowish tint and falls in the G-H range. This warm tone is inherent to moissanite. Additionally, synthetic Moissanite are completely colorless with a brilliant luster.
Yellow tint: While the best quality white sapphires are 100% colorless, most moissanite will show a faint yellowish cast, especially in large sizes. This warm tone is more noticeable in daylight.
Fluorescence: Some moissanite exhibits greenish fluorescence under UV light. Greenish fluorescence is rare in a high quality white sapphire.
Perceived color: Due to its higher refractive index, moissanite also exhibits more “fire or brilliance” which can mask the yellowish tone. So moissanite may appear whiter or colorless to the eye, even with a G-H grade warmth.
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White Sapphire vs Moissanite: Astrological Benefits
In the realm of Vedic astrology, White Sapphire is deeply linked to the planet Venus and is believed to nurture love, commitment, and faithfulness. It is thought to bring tranquility, spiritual healing, and enhance psychic abilities.
As a newly discovered gem, moissanite doesn’t have the same long-standing astrological associations. But some believe it also resonates with Venus properties, promoting harmony and romance. While Others associate it with magical powers or meteorite origins.
White sapphire is vehemently linked to the crown and third-eye chakras. It provides excellent aid in stimulating higher consciousness and wisdom. Moissanite is also said to also stimulate the upper chakras but the correlation has yet to be proven.
White sapphire is considered a stone of spiritual purity and energy. Moissanite’s fire is thought to give it an energizing vibe.
Both stones are valued in meditation for their clarity and brilliance. They can help focus intention and mental visualization.
So in summary, white sapphire has more established metaphysical associations with Venus energy, spirituality and psychic power. But moissanite is gaining its own crystal healing reputation as a heavenly and uplifting stone. As with all crystals, individual experiences may vary.
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White Sapphire vs Moissanite: Price
White sapphire price: A 1-carat white sapphire of supreme quality and coveted origin generally ranges from $150 – $500 per carat. Large AAA quality stones over 5 carats could be $1,000 – $5,000 per carat depending on 4C evaluation factor of gemstones.
Moissanite price: On the other hand. a 1-carat moissanite stone ranges anywhere between $300 – $1,000 per carat, with the average being around $600/ct. Large moissanite stones (5ct+) fall between $1,200 – $2,500 per carat. The price comparison between Moissanite and white sapphires clearly indicates one thing that natural White Sapphires are way more valuable than Moissanite.
Factors: The exact price of either white sapphire or Moissanite depends on the quality grades (cut, color, clarity, carat weight), stone size, retailer margins, and setting costs. But moissanite commands around a 200-400% premium over a similar white sapphire.
Value: White sapphire offers an extremely colorless and brilliant stone for a fraction of the cost of a comparable diamond. Similarly, Moissanite provides exceptional brilliance and fire for less than diamond, but with a higher price than sapphire.
White Sapphire vs Moissanite: Popularity
We all are well aware that White sapphire is a more renowned gemstone and it has been used heavily in jewelry for a longer time. As a natural gemstone, it has an established presence in the jewelry industry.
On the other hand, Moissanite is a relatively newer lab-created gemstone, only being discovered in the late 19th century and entering the jewelry market in the 1990s. So it does not have the same level of recognition and history as white sapphire.
However, moissanite is gaining popularity at a swift pace as an affordable, environmentally friendly alternative to diamonds. Interest and demand for moissanite has increased significantly and greatly over the last 5-10 years.
White sapphire enjoys more overall consumer awareness, but moissanite is catching up in popularity and sales, especially amongst younger generations. Its low cost and similarity to diamonds drive much of its appeal.
In terms of global search volume and interest, white sapphire leads, but the gap is narrowing. Moissanite is becoming more searched and sought-after by jewelery shoppers and brides-to-be.
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