Moissanite is a popular diamond alternative due to its similarity in appearance to diamonds. To identify moissanite from other gems, especially diamonds, you can use a combination of visual, physical, and electrical tests. Here are some methods you can use:
1. Visual Inspection:
- Brilliance: Moissanite usually exhibits more fire and brilliance than most other gemstones, including diamonds. It can display a rainbow of colors when exposed to light, which is often more noticeable than in diamonds.
- Double Refraction: Moissanite has a higher double refraction than diamonds. If you place a moissanite over a printed text or a pattern, you may see a doubling effect when looking through the stone.
- Color: Moissanite is typically near colorless, but some may exhibit a yellow or greenish tint. Pay attention to any noticeable color differences compared to a diamond.
2. Refractive Index (RI):
Moissanite has a higher refractive index (RI) than most other gemstones, including diamonds. The RI of moissanite is around 2.65, while diamonds have an RI of about 2.42. You can use a gem refractometer to measure the RI of a gemstone.
3. Dispersion (Fire):
Moissanite has a high dispersion, which means it can create a significant play of colors, more so than diamonds. This can be observed by the colorful flashes of light it emits when exposed to light.
4. Hardness:
Moissanite is one of the hardest known minerals and is only second to diamonds in terms of hardness on the Mohs scale. You can perform a scratch test using a known diamond or corundum (ruby/sapphire) to see if the gemstone is scratched or remains unharmed. If the gemstone is scratched, it’s not moissanite.
5. Electrical Conductivity:
Diamonds are typically non-conductive, while moissanite is known to be a good electrical conductor. You can use a diamond tester, which measures electrical conductivity, to help identify moissanite.
6. Thermal Conductivity:
Moissanite has excellent thermal conductivity, similar to diamonds. You can use a thermal conductivity tester to differentiate between moissanite and other gemstones. However, this test is less common and less reliable than electrical conductivity testing.
7. Weight and Density:
Moissanite is slightly lighter than diamonds. You can measure the gem’s weight and calculate its density, but this method is less conclusive and should be used in conjunction with other tests.
It’s essential to note that these methods are not foolproof, and a combination of several tests is often necessary for a more reliable identification. For the most accurate results, consider consulting a professional gemologist who can use advanced equipment and techniques to identify moissanite or other gemstones accurately.