Moissanite vs Cubic Zirconia vs Diamond: What's the Difference?

If you're shopping for jewelry, you've probably come across three stone options: moissanite, cubic zirconia, and diamond. They can look similar at a glance, but they're very different materials with different properties, price points, and durability.

This guide compares all three side by side, so you can decide which one fits your budget and your expectations.

The Short Answer

Here's how the three stones compare at a glance:

Diamond is the hardest and most durable. Moissanite is a close second. Cubic zirconia is the least expensive but also the least durable.

What Is Moissanite?

Moissanite is a gemstone made of silicon carbide. It was first discovered in 1893 in a meteorite crater. Natural moissanite is extremely rare, so almost all moissanite sold today is created in a lab.

Moissanite is known for its high brilliance and fire. It actually has more light dispersion than diamond, which means it can throw more rainbow-colored flashes in certain lighting. On the Mohs hardness scale, moissanite ranks 9.25 out of 10.

Moissanite is a popular choice for engagement rings because it's durable and affordable. However, it's rarely certified by major gemological labs, so there's no independent verification of its quality.

What Is Cubic Zirconia?

Cubic zirconia (CZ) is a synthetic material made of zirconium dioxide. It's designed to imitate the look of diamond at a very low cost.

Cubic zirconia is the least expensive of the three stones. A 1-carat CZ can cost as little as $10. However, it's also the least durable. It ranks 8.5 on the Mohs hardness scale, which means it can scratch and cloud over time.

CZ is a good option for fashion jewelry or temporary pieces. It's not recommended for everyday wear, especially engagement rings, because it won't hold up over years of use.

What Is a Diamond?

A diamond is a crystal made of pure carbon. It ranks 10/10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it the hardest natural material on earth.

There are two types of diamonds: mined diamonds and lab grown diamonds. Lab grown diamonds are created in controlled environments and are chemically, physically, and optically identical to mined diamonds. The FTC officially classifies lab-created diamonds as real diamonds.

Lab grown diamonds cost 30% to 50% less than mined diamonds of the same quality. At Ecglosty, every stone is IGI certified, so you know exactly what you're getting.

Price Comparison

Price is often the biggest factor when choosing between these three stones.

Cubic zirconia is the cheapest by far. Moissanite is in the middle. Lab grown diamond is the most expensive of the three, but still significantly cheaper than mined diamond.

Durability Comparison

Diamond is the most durable. Moissanite is a close second and can last decades with proper care. Cubic zirconia is the least durable and will show wear within a year or two of daily wear.

Appearance: How They Look Different

Brilliance and fire: Moissanite has more fire (rainbow flashes) than diamond. Diamond has more brilliance (white light return). Cubic zirconia has less brilliance than both and can look flat over time as it scratches.

Color: Moissanite can have a slight yellow or green tint in some lighting. Cubic zirconia is usually colorless but can yellow over time. Lab grown diamonds are available in a full range of color grades, from colorless to near-colorless.

Clarity: High-quality moissanite is typically eye-clean. Cubic zirconia is usually flawless when new but develops scratches. Lab grown diamonds are graded on the same clarity scale as mined diamonds.

Certification: What to Look For

Moissanite is rarely certified by major gemological labs. Some brands provide their own grading reports, but these are not standardized.

Cubic zirconia is not certified. It's a fashion jewelry material, not a fine jewelry stone.

Lab grown diamonds can be certified by IGI or GIA. These certificates verify the diamond's 4Cs: cut, color, clarity, and carat weight. At Ecglosty, every stone is IGI certified.

If certification matters to you, lab grown diamond is the clear choice.

Which Stone Should You Choose?

Choose moissanite if:

• You want a durable, brilliant stone at a mid-range price

• You like the extra fire and rainbow sparkle

• Certification is not important to you

Choose cubic zirconia if:

• You want the lowest possible price

• You're buying fashion jewelry or a temporary piece

• You don't need it to last for years

Choose lab grown diamond if:

• You want a certified, verifiable stone

• You prefer a more traditional diamond look

• You want a stone that will last a lifetime

• You plan to wear it every day

Final Thoughts

Moissanite, cubic zirconia, and diamond are three very different stones. Cubic zirconia is the cheapest but least durable. Moissanite is a durable mid-range option. Lab grown diamond offers certification, durability, and a traditional look at a more accessible price than mined diamond.

If you're looking for a certified lab grown diamond, explore our collection. Every stone is IGI certified and available in 14K or 18K white gold, yellow gold, rose gold, or platinum.

Information current as of October 2026.