What Ruins Moissanite? The Definitive Guide to Durability, Damage, and Maintenance

Moissanite has revolutionized the gemstone market with its exceptional brilliance and durability, ranking an impressive 9.25 on the Mohs hardness scale. However, even this remarkable silicon carbide crystal isn’t invincible. This comprehensive guide explores everything you need to know about moissanite’s durability—from potential damage factors to detailed maintenance protocols—helping you protect your investment and maintain its stunning sparkle for generations.

The Origins and Nature of Moissanite

Moissanite was first discovered in 1893 by Nobel Prize-winning scientist Henri Moissan in a meteor crater in Arizona. Initially mistaken for diamonds, these silicon carbide crystals were later named in his honor. Natural moissanite is extremely rare, which is why today’s jewelry market primarily features lab-created moissanite.

The synthetic production of moissanite began in the 1990s when Charles & Colvard developed and patented a method to create large, gem-quality crystals. This manufacturing breakthrough transformed moissanite from a scientific curiosity to a popular diamond alternative.

Quality Grades of Moissanite

Modern moissanite is available in several quality grades that affect both appearance and durability:

• Standard/Classic – Earlier generations may have a slight yellow or green tint in certain lighting
• Forever One/Premium – Near-colorless or completely colorless (D-E-F color range)
• Super Premium – Enhanced cuts with optimized facet patterns for maximum brilliance

The manufacturing process has continuously improved, with newer generations offering better color stability and optical properties that resist degradation over time.

Learn about moissanite history and production

Factors That Can Damage Moissanite

1. Physical Impact

While moissanite exhibits exceptional hardness, it’s important to distinguish between hardness and toughness. Hardness refers to scratch resistance, while toughness relates to resistance to breaking or chipping.

Moissanite can withstand significant everyday wear, but severe impacts—especially those that strike the stone at certain angles—can cause chips or fractures. The crystalline structure of moissanite makes it somewhat less tough than diamond, though more resistant to breakage than many other gemstones.

Risk level: Moderate Prevention: Remove jewelry before high-impact activities like sports, heavy lifting, or manual labor.

Research on moissanite’s impact resistance

2. Scratches and Surface Abrasion

At 9.25 on the Mohs scale, moissanite can only be scratched by materials of equal or greater hardness—primarily diamonds (10) and other moissanite stones. However, repeated contact with abrasive surfaces can eventually cause minor surface wear, diminishing the stone’s polish over time.

Risk level: Low Prevention: Store moissanite pieces separately from other jewelry, especially diamond pieces. Consider using individual soft pouches or compartmentalized jewelry boxes with padded dividers.

Detailed analysis of moissanite scratch resistance

3. Chemical Exposure

Moissanite has excellent chemical resistance, but prolonged exposure to harsh chemicals can affect both the stone and its setting:

• Chlorine (pools, hot tubs) – Can damage some metal settings and potentially affect the stone’s surface with extended exposure
• Bleach – May erode metal settings and potentially dull the surface of the moissanite
• Harsh household cleaners – Can leave residues that reduce brilliance or damage settings
• Acetone (nail polish remover) – Primarily affects settings rather than the stone itself
• Cosmetics and lotions – Can create film buildup that diminishes sparkle

Risk level: Low to Moderate Prevention: Remove jewelry when swimming, cleaning, or applying personal care products. Wait for lotions to absorb before putting jewelry back on.

Effects of chemical exposure on moissanite

4. Surface Build-Up and Oil Film

One of the most common issues affecting moissanite’s appearance isn’t permanent damage but temporary buildup. Oils from skin, cosmetics, lotions, and environmental debris can create a film that dramatically reduces sparkle.

Risk level: High (for appearance), Low (for permanent damage) Prevention: Regular gentle cleaning and avoiding contact with oily products.

Understanding moissanite clouding and buildup

5. Environmental Stressors

Extreme conditions can potentially affect moissanite’s integrity:

• Temperature fluctuations – While moissanite can withstand high temperatures (it has a melting point above 2700°C), rapid temperature changes could theoretically stress the crystal structure
• Prolonged UV exposure – Current-generation moissanite is stable under UV light, but older generations might show slight color shifts with extended exposure
• High-pressure environments – Deep-water activities could potentially stress settings rather than the stone itself

Risk level: Very Low Prevention: Exercise common sense with jewelry in extreme environments.

Environmental factors affecting moissanite durability

Comparative Durability: How Moissanite Stacks Up

Understanding how moissanite compares to other gemstones helps set realistic expectations for its performance and care requirements.

Moissanite vs. Diamond

While diamonds edge out moissanite in hardness (10 vs. 9.25), moissanite actually exceeds diamonds in fire (dispersion of light into spectral colors) and is comparable in brilliance. Diamonds have better toughness against impact, but both are excellent for daily wear.

Moissanite vs. Cubic Zirconia

Though often confused by consumers, these stones differ significantly in durability. Cubic zirconia (8-8.5 hardness) shows visible wear much faster than moissanite, typically clouding and scratching within 1-2 years of regular wear, while moissanite can maintain its appearance for decades.

Moissanite vs. White Sapphire

White sapphire (9 hardness) is slightly softer than moissanite and notably less brilliant. While both have good durability, sapphires can be more prone to showing oils and dirt, requiring more frequent cleaning to maintain sparkle.

Comparative gemstone durability analysis

The Science Behind Moissanite’s Durability

Moissanite’s exceptional properties stem from its molecular structure. As silicon carbide (SiC), it features strong covalent bonds between silicon and carbon atoms arranged in a tetrahedral crystal lattice similar to diamond but with key differences:

Crystalline Structure

The unique polytype structure of moissanite (specifically the 6H-SiC polytype commonly used in gemstones) creates its remarkable optical and physical properties. This structure contributes to:

• Exceptional hardness – The strong silicon-carbon bonds resist deformation
• High refractive index (2.65-2.69, exceeding diamond’s 2.42) – Creates its distinctive brilliance
• Superior dispersion (0.104, compared to diamond’s 0.044) – Responsible for moissanite’s legendary “fire”

Thermal and Electrical Properties

Moissanite’s scientific applications extend beyond jewelry because of its exceptional thermal conductivity and electrical properties, which also contribute to its stability as a gemstone:

• Thermal stability – Resistant to heat damage up to extremely high temperatures
• Chemical inertness – Resistant to most acids and bases at room temperature
• Thermal shock resistance – Can withstand rapid temperature changes better than many gemstones

These properties explain why moissanite can maintain its appearance under conditions that might damage other gemstones.

Scientific analysis of silicon carbide properties

Common Myths and Misconceptions About Moissanite

Myth 1: “Moissanite will get cloudy over time”

Reality: Modern moissanite does not inherently cloud or change clarity over time. Temporary “clouding” is almost always due to surface buildup that can be cleaned. This differs from cubic zirconia, which can internally cloud due to its crystalline structure breaking down.

Myth 2: “Moissanite will change color with age”

Reality: Current-generation moissanite (especially Forever One and newer) maintains its color indefinitely. Some older generations might show subtle color shifts under certain lighting, but this is not deterioration—it’s an inherent property of those specific productions.

Myth 3: “No one can tell the difference between moissanite and diamond”

Reality: While moissanite and diamonds can appear similar to casual observers, they have distinctive optical properties. Moissanite displays more “fire” (colorful flashes), while diamonds have more “brilliance” (white light return). Experienced jewelers and gemologists can identify the difference, though many consumers cannot.

Myth 4: “Moissanite can be damaged by ultrasonic cleaners”

Reality: The stone itself is generally safe for ultrasonic cleaning, but caution is warranted because:

1. The settings may have vulnerabilities
2. Existing chips or fractures could potentially worsen
3. Some specific treatments or backings might be affected

Modern moissanite is actually quite compatible with ultrasonic cleaning when the setting allows for it.

Debunking common moissanite myths

Troubleshooting Guide for Common Moissanite Issues

Problem: Loss of Sparkle/Appears Cloudy

Possible Causes:

• Oil and product buildup (most common)
• Fine surface scratches
• Dirty prongs or setting blocking light

Solutions:

1. Basic cleaning: Soak for 20-30 minutes in warm water with mild dish soap, then gently brush with a soft toothbrush
2. Deep cleaning: If basic cleaning doesn’t work, try a 10-minute soak in 50% Windex/50% hydrogen peroxide solution, followed by thorough rinsing
3. Professional cleaning: If home methods fail, a jeweler can provide ultrasonic cleaning and inspection

Problem: Visible White Patches or Spots

Possible Causes:

• Hard water deposits
• Soap residue
• Cleaning product residue

Solution:

1. Soak in equal parts white vinegar and warm water for 15-20 minutes
2. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a microfiber cloth

Problem: Stone Appears Different Colors in Different Lighting

Possible Cause: This is likely the natural property of moissanite rather than a problem. Moissanite is more “color-active” than diamond, meaning it may show more color shifts under different lighting conditions.

Solution: No fix needed—this is a characteristic of the stone. Newer generations (Forever One and beyond) show less color variation but still may display some color-shifting properties.

Problem: Visible Chip or Scratch

Possible Causes:

• Impact damage
• Contact with harder materials
• Setting damage exposing the girdle (edge) of the stone

Solutions:

1. Minor surface scratch: Professional polishing may improve appearance
2. Chip: Depending on location and severity, a jeweler might be able to adjust the setting to hide minor chips
3. Significant damage: In some cases, replacement may be necessary

Professional moissanite troubleshooting guide

Step-by-Step Maintenance and Cleaning Guide

Daily/Weekly Maintenance

1. Quick rinse: After wearing, rinse under warm (not hot) water to remove oils and residues
2. Gentle wipe: Use a microfiber cloth to dry and provide a quick polish
3. Visual inspection: Check prongs and settings regularly for any movement or damage

Monthly Deep Cleaning

1. Preparation:
   • Place a soft cloth in the bottom of a small bowl
   • Fill with warm water and a few drops of mild dish soap
   • Avoid antibacterial soaps, which may leave residue
2. Soaking process:
   • Submerge jewelry completely
   • Soak for 20-30 minutes
   • Gently swirl occasionally to loosen debris
3. Gentle brushing:
   • Use a soft-bristled toothbrush (reserved only for jewelry)
   • Brush gently, focusing on the underside and around prongs
   • Pay special attention to areas where the stone meets the setting
4. Thorough rinsing:
   • Rinse under warm running water
   • Ensure all soap is removed (residue can cause clouding)
5. Proper drying:
   • Pat with a lint-free cloth
   • Allow to air dry completely before storage

Quarterly Professional Assessment

Even with excellent home care, professional examination 2-4 times per year helps ensure:

• Prongs remain secure
• Settings haven’t loosened
• Cleaning reaches areas difficult to access at home

Seasonal Considerations

• Summer: Be extra vigilant about removing jewelry before swimming, applying sunscreen, or engaging in outdoor activities
• Winter: Remove rings before applying hand lotion, which is often used more frequently in colder months
• Spring/Fall cleaning: Schedule professional deep cleans during seasonal transitions

Expert moissanite cleaning techniques

Proper Storage Solutions

How you store your moissanite significantly impacts its longevity and continued brilliance.

Ideal Storage Conditions

• Temperature: Room temperature in a climate-controlled environment
• Humidity: Low to moderate (excessive humidity can affect metal settings)
• Light exposure: Minimal (though moissanite is resistant to UV damage, some settings may not be)

Storage Options Compared

The Ideal Jewelry Box for Moissanite

Look for boxes featuring:

• Soft, non-abrasive lining (velvet or microfiber)
• Individual compartments or ring rolls to prevent contact between pieces
• Secure closure to prevent dust accumulation
• Anti-tarnish properties to protect settings

Jewelry storage best practices

Professional Repair Options

Despite moissanite’s durability, damage may occasionally occur. Understanding your repair options is essential.

When to Seek Professional Help

• Loose stone in setting
• Visible chips or cracks
• Severe scratching affecting appearance
• Bent prongs or setting damage
• Significant loss of brilliance that doesn’t improve with cleaning

Types of Repairs Possible

Questions to Ask Your Jeweler

1. Do you have experience specifically with moissanite repairs?
2. What techniques will you use to address my specific issue?
3. Will the repair affect the appearance or integrity of my stone?
4. Do you offer a warranty on repair work?
5. Can you provide before/after documentation?

Many original moissanite retailers offer warranty programs or repair services. Check with your original seller before seeking third-party repairs.

Finding qualified moissanite repair specialists

Metal Settings and Their Impact on Moissanite Durability

The setting of your moissanite significantly affects its overall durability. Different metals offer varying levels of protection and longevity.

Common Metals for Moissanite Settings

How Setting Styles Affect Protection

The ideal setting balances protection with the desired aesthetic and light performance. For active lifestyles, consider bezel or semi-bezel settings that provide greater protection against impacts.

Understanding setting impacts on durability