Natural vs Lab Grown Diamonds vs Moissanite vs CZ: Key Differences

Lab-grown diamonds match natural diamonds in quality but are more affordable and eco-friendly. They also outperform cubic zirconia and moissanite in brilliance and durability.

mined Diamonds mined Diamonds
Lab-Grown Diamonds Lab-Grown Diamonds
Moissanite Moissanite
Cubic Zirconia (CZ) Cubic Zirconia (CZ)
Chemical Composition
Carbon (C) Carbon (C)
Carbon (C) Carbon (C)
Silicon Carbide (SiC) Silicon Carbide (SiC)
Zirconium Dioxide (ZrO₂) Zirconium Dioxide (ZrO₂)
Crystal Structure
Cubic crystal system
Cubic crystal system
Hexagonal crystal system (α-SiC)
Fluorite structure
Mohs Hardness
10 Extremely hard
10 Same hardness as mined diamonds
9.25 Slightly softer than diamond
8-8.5 Much softer,more prone to scratches
Refractive Index
2.42 Provides exceptional
brilliance and fire
2.42 Identical optical
performance to mined
diamonds
2.65-2.69 Higher refractive index causes an unnatural
2.15-2.18 Less brilliance,duller appearance
Dispersion Value
0.044 Balanced brilliance,
classic sparkle
0.044 Identical fire and sparkle to mined diamonds
0.104 an unnatural rainbow effect
0.058-0.066 scratch or lose sparkle over time
Thermal Conductivity
2200W /MK
2200W /MK
490W /MK
31.8W /MK
Can Be Tested with a Diamond Pen?
YES due to high thermal conductivity
YES due to high thermal conductivity
NO Moissanite conducts heat differently, and is often not detected
NO Cubic Zirconia has low thermal conductivity, so it doesn't test as diamond
Durability
Extremely durable
Durable as mined diamond
Extremely durable but can scratch with time
Low durability, can scratch or lose sparkle over time
Clarity
VS1 or higher,
rare inclusions
VS1 or higher,
high purity
Different system
Different system
mined Diamonds mined Diamonds
Lab-Grown Diamonds Lab-Grown Diamonds
Moissanite Moissanite
Cubic Zirconia (CZ) Cubic Zirconia (CZ)
more
Chemical Composition
Carbon (C) Carbon (C)
Chemical Composition
Carbon (C) Carbon (C)
Silicon Carbide (SiC) Silicon Carbide (SiC)
Zirconium Dioxide (ZrO₂) Zirconium Dioxide (ZrO₂)
Chemical Composition
Cubic crystal system
Chemical Composition
Cubic crystal system Hexagonal crystal system (α-SiC) Fluorite structure
Chemical Composition
10 Extremely hard
Chemical Composition
10 Same hardness as mined diamonds
9.25 Slightly softer than diamond
8-8.5 Much softer,more prone to scratches
Chemical Composition
2.42 Provides exceptional
brilliance and fire
Chemical Composition
2.42 Identical optical
performance to mined
diamonds
2.65-2.69 Higher refractive index causes an unnatural
2.15-2.18 Less brilliance,duller appearance
Chemical Composition
0.044 Balanced brilliance,
classic sparkle
Chemical Composition
0.044 Identical fire and sparkle to mined diamonds
0.104 an unnatural rainbow effect
0.058-0.066 scratch or lose sparkle over time
Chemical Composition
2200W /MK
Chemical Composition
2200W /MK 490W /MK 31.8W /MK
Chemical Composition
YES due to high thermal conductivity
Chemical Composition
YES due to high thermal conductivity
NO Moissanite conducts heat differently, and is often not detected
NO Cubic Zirconia has low thermal conductivity, so it doesn't test as diamond
Chemical Composition
Extremely durable
Chemical Composition
Durable as mined diamond Extremely durable but can scratch with time Low durability, can scratch or lose sparkle over time
Chemical Composition
VS1 or higher,
rare inclusions
Chemical Composition
VS1 or higher,
high purity
Different system Different system
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Neoshine FAQ

Q:

are lab grown diamonds the same as cubic zirconia

A:

Not at all. Cubic zirconia is a low-cost diamond simulant with significantly lower hardness, brilliance, and longevity. Lab grown diamonds are real diamonds, designed to last a lifetime and maintain their value.

Q:

is moissanite lab grown diamond

A:

No, moissanite is not a lab grown diamond. While both are created in laboratories, moissanite is made from silicon carbide, not carbon like diamonds. It’s a simulant, meaning it only imitates the appearance of a diamond but lacks the chemical and structural properties. Lab grown diamonds, on the other hand, are real diamonds, identical to mined diamonds in brilliance, hardness, and composition. If you're looking for a genuine diamond—lab grown is the superior and authentic choice.

Q:

are moissanite diamonds lab grown

A:

No. Lab grown diamonds are actual diamonds grown in controlled environments using advanced technology. Moissanite, while sparkly, is a completely different material and lacks the durability, authenticity, and timeless value of a real diamond.

Q:

is a moissanite a lab grown diamond

A:

No. Moissanite is not a diamond at all—it's a separate man-made gemstone. It may look similar at first glance but lacks the true properties and prestige of a genuine lab grown diamond.

Q:

are lab grown diamonds moissanite

A:

No, lab grown diamonds and moissanite are not the same. Lab grown diamonds are real diamonds, created using advanced technology that replicates the natural diamond formation process. Moissanite, in contrast, is a diamond simulant made of silicon carbide. While moissanite may resemble diamonds at a glance, it differs in brilliance, hardness, and composition. For those seeking the genuine beauty and lasting value of a diamond, lab grown diamonds are the clear choice.

Q:

difference between cubic zirconia and lab grown diamond

A:

The key difference lies in authenticity, composition, and quality. Lab grown diamonds are real diamonds, sharing the same physical, chemical, and optical properties as mined diamonds. Cubic zirconia (CZ), on the other hand, is a diamond simulant made from zirconium dioxide. It is softer, less brilliant, and significantly less valuable than a real diamond.
While CZ may initially look sparkly, it scratches easily, becomes cloudy over time, and lacks the lasting beauty and durability of a lab grown diamond. For those seeking a lifetime-worthy gemstone, lab grown diamonds are the only genuine, high-quality alternative to mined diamonds.

Q:

cubic zirconia vs lab grown diamond

A:

The difference is significant.

Lab grown diamonds are real diamonds—they share the same chemical, physical, and optical properties as natural diamonds. Cubic zirconia (CZ), on the other hand, is a diamond simulant made from zirconium dioxide. It looks sparkly at first but lacks the durability, brilliance, and authenticity of a real diamond.
While CZ is inexpensive, it scratches easily, loses its shine over time, and has no long-term value. If you want a genuine, lasting stone with true diamond beauty, lab grown diamonds are the only real choice.

Q:

cz vs lab grown diamond

A:

There’s no real competition.

Lab grown diamonds win in every category: hardness, sparkle, clarity, and prestige. CZ may be cheaper, but it’s not a diamond—it’s a short-term substitute that wears down quickly. If you're buying for love, commitment, or personal milestone, real matters—and lab grown is real.

Q:

difference between lab grown diamonds and moissanite

A:

Lab grown diamonds and moissanite differ in composition, brilliance, hardness, and value.

Lab grown diamonds are real diamonds, created using the same carbon-based crystal structure as natural diamonds. They’re chemically, physically, and optically identical to mined diamonds—just formed in a lab instead of underground.

Moissanite, on the other hand, is a man-made diamond simulant made of silicon carbide. Although it can sparkle brightly, its fire often appears overly “rainbow-like” and lacks the classic elegance of a diamond. Moissanite is also softer, making it more prone to scratches over time.
If you're looking for authenticity, durability, and timeless beauty, lab grown diamonds are the superior choice—offering all the benefits of a mined diamond without the environmental and ethical costs.

Q:

what is the difference between moissanite and lab grown diamonds

A:

Moissanite is a diamond simulant made of silicon carbide, while lab grown diamonds are real diamonds with the same physical, chemical, and optical properties as mined diamonds. Unlike moissanite, lab grown diamonds offer the same authenticity, brilliance, and value as natural diamonds—just without the environmental and ethical concerns.