Does Moissanite Pass Diamond Tester? In Depth Analysis

Does Moissanite pass the diamond tester inspection? This is a question that raises controversy for anyone with an interest in gemstones, as well as the intelligent consumer. 

With Moissanite shining as a brilliant and budget-friendly alternative to diamonds, it's no wonder people want to know if this shining stone can beat a diamond tester.

Whether you are planning to buy an engagement ring or exploring this side of the market, understanding how Moissanite reacts when in contact with diamond testers is crucial. 

Well, no worries; in this article, we will separate myth from reality about Moissanite's invisibility to a diamond tester and what its consequences are for both buyers and jewelers. 

Diamond Tester & How it Works 

Before you ask whether Moissanite can be tested using a diamond tester, it is well suited to know how it functions first. 

Diamond testers are meant to determine whether a gemstone is a diamond or not depending on its method, which is its ability to conduct heat or electricity. 

Diamonds have very high thermal conductivity coefficients, and they rapidly transfer heat. For this reason, they appear to be cooler when touched with hands than other gems. 

Two Main Types of Diamond Testers

Thermal Conductivity Testers: These are the most common ones and work based on a ratio of how fast a gemstone disperses heat. 

Since diamonds can transfer heat very efficiently, this tool will be useful in differentiating between a real diamond and a fake one. 

The tester has a small metal probe that comes in contact with the gemstone to establish the difference in the rate at which heat is released. 

Electrical Conductivity Testers: Some sophisticated testers resort to electrical conductivity to help them determine the diamond's authenticity. 

Diamonds are also bad conductors of electricity, which is a characteristic that the testers employ to identify them from some of the diamond look-alikes.

Why Do These Tests Matter? 

Diamond testers' main function is to allow jewelers, buyers, and sellers to know if a gemstone is authentic or not. As diamond substitutes become more prevalent in the market, it's essential to understand that their ability to pass a diamond tester depends on their specific characteristics.

Can Moissanite Pass a Diamond Tester?

Yes, this may sound too good to be true, but it is a complicated answer. 

In certain instances, Moissanite can successfully pass some diamond testers designed to measure thermal conductivity. 

Other testers are based on measuring electrical conductivities, and therefore, they do not have any such success stories. 

Here's why:

The thermal conductivity of Moissanite is similar to that of Diamonds. In truth, Moissanites are more efficient in conducting heat than Diamonds. Hence, thermally testing devices will often mistake them for a diamond. 

Therefore, if one were to apply a standard thermal diamond tester, it would probably indicate that Moissanite is a diamond.

On the contrary, electrical conductivity is one area where Moissanite differs from Diamonds. While diamonds are poor conductors of electric current, Moissanite allows for a higher level of electricity flow than to them. 

We can draw a line between Moissanite and diamond through some advanced diamond testers that measure both thermal and electrical conductivity.

How to Properly Test Moissanite

If you plan on purchasing a Moissanite Engagement Rings or you need to check whether the gemstone is indeed a diamond or Moissanite here are some tests you can carry out.

1. Dual-Function Testers 

There are a handful of diamond testers on the market today which assess both thermal and electrical conductivity, this is the most effective approach to telling the difference between the two. These devices are better and can differentiate between the two gemstones and identify which is which. 

2. Gemstone Grading Reports

In most cases, the best way to get a rational  answer is to ask for a gemstone grading report. Apart from giving the grading report, any authentic grading laboratory like, GIA or the IGI will give more details about the gemstone particularly as to whether it is a diamond, Moissanite or any other material. 

3. A Look at the Situation by a Specialist 

A trained jeweler can tell the two apart; they can differentiate between a diamond and Moissanite using a loupe or a microscope. Small flaws in Moissanite that are not seen in diamonds include feather-like structures or the presence of small crystals and the intensity of dispersion might also be seen using a lens.

4. UV Light Testing 

Another technique to test Moissanite is through using a wavelength lamp, with ultraviolet light. In identifying Moissanite from diamonds, there is variation in fluorescence under Ultraviolet (UV) light. Diamonds will have blue fluorescence; Moissanite on the other hand have a greenish or yellowish component when put under UV light. This test is not perfect because not all diamonds fluoresce and there are sometimes non-fluorescent Moissanites but it is one of the clues which can be used when identifying the two. 

5. Refractive Index Test 

Depending on the refractive index, Moissanite has a different value than diamond, which indicates how much light is refracted through it. Moissanite has more fire than diamonds; it ranges from 2. 65 to 2. 69, while for diamonds, it is around 2.42. A gemologist can use the refractometer tool to determine this feature since it differentiates between Moissanite and diamonds. 

6. Specific Gravity Test 

Specific gravity is the relative density of a gemstone and is determined by the measurement of the ratio of gemstone density to that of water. Moissanite has a certain level of specific gravity, approximately equal to 3.22, and diamond has a specific gravity slightly higher than water, with 3.52. A specific gravity test in which the stone is placed in liquid, and the displacement of the liquid is measured will differentiate Moissanite from diamond. 

There are other tests you can add up to the grading reports which include the dual-function tester and the professional visual inspection in order to be very certain whether you are holding a diamond or a Moissanite. If one wants reassurance, it is advisable to seek the services of a certified gemologist or to use the laboratory's standard practices.

Conclusion

So all in all, while Moissanite can not pass most of the diamond tests than other stimulants due to thermal conductivity characteristics it may pass some, thus confusing buyers. But diamonds are non-conductive while testers measuring electrical conductivity can tell one from the other. This distinction can be very important for everyone to know when it comes to buying gemstones as ordinary diamond testers might identify Moissanite wrongly. That being said, Moissanite is still a high quality and affordable diamond alternative that will last long and shine. It is also a great option for individuals that want a gemstone similar to diamond, but do not have the budget required.