Diamond vs Moissanite vs Cubic Zirconia
| Feature | Diamond | Moissanite | Cubic Zirconia (CZ) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hardness (Mohs scale) | 10 | 9.25–9.5 | 8.5 |
| Durability | Most durable; highly resistant to scratches and chips. | Highly durable; nearly as hard as diamond and great for everyday wear. | Least durable; can scratch and cloud over time with regular wear. |
| Brilliance & Fire | High brilliance and fire (sparkle + color flashes). | Even more brilliant than diamond with stronger rainbow “fire.” | Lower brilliance than moissanite; whiter, less fiery sparkle. |
| Color | Wide range; can be colorless or have natural tints. | Usually near-colorless; some stones may show a very slight tint. | Often perfectly colorless, which can look less natural. |
| Cost | Most expensive. | Much more affordable than diamond; higher than CZ. | Least expensive. |
| Long-term appearance | Maintains brilliance indefinitely. | Maintains sparkle and color for life. | May become hazy or scratched over time. |