Does Moissanite Pass Diamond Tester?

Diamond testers are commonly used by jewelers and gemologists to differentiate between real and fake diamonds. If you are considering purchasing a moissanite chain, engagement ring, wedding band or any other piece of jewelry, you may be wondering whether moissanite will pass the diamond tester.

Does Moissanite Pass Diamond Tester? Read on to find the answer. In this article, we will explore the science behind diamond testing and the characteristics of moissanite to determine if it can indeed pass as a diamond under scrutiny.

1. Does Moissanite Pass the Diamond Tester

Yes, moissanite can pass a diamond tester. Due to high thermal conductivity, moissanite, a man made gem might be identified as a diamond by a standard tester pen. While, other diamond simulants, cubic zirconia, are unable to pass the test.

However, Moissanite, on the other hand, is composed of silicon carbide, a compound with a different crystal lattice structure than that of a diamond. While it shares some similarities in appearance and hardness with diamonds, its thermal conductivity is significantly lower.

This difference in composition and structure would suggest that moissanite should not pass a diamond tester, as the heat from the probe would not disperse as quickly as it would in a diamond.

The reality is that moissanite can sometimes pass a diamond tester, depending on the type of tester being used. Traditional diamond testers solely rely on thermal conductivity to differentiate diamonds from other stones, and since moissanite has a moderate level of thermal conductivity, it might produce a false positive result.

2. What is a Diamond Tester? How it Works

A diamond tester is a small and portable device that determines whether a gemstone is a real diamond or an imitation. The device works by identifying the thermal conductivity of the stone, which is a unique property of diamonds. A diamond tester uses the principle of heat transfer to determine whether the stone being tested is a diamond or a simulant.

The device has a small tip that is touched to the surface of the stone. The tip emits a small amount of heat, and the device measures the amount of heat that is conducted through the stone. If the stone is a diamond, it will conduct the heat well, and the device will light up or make a sound to indicate that it is a diamond. If the stone is not a diamond, it will not conduct the heat, and the device will not light up or make a sound.

Diamond testers are designed to measure a gemstone's thermal conductivity, which is the ability of a material to conduct heat.

Diamonds, being composed of carbon atoms arranged in a unique crystal lattice structure, have exceptional thermal conductivity. This property is one of the reasons why diamonds are so highly valued in various industries, beyond their aesthetic appeal.

When a diamond tester is applied to a diamond, the heat from the probe rapidly disperses, resulting in a positive reading on the tester's scale.

3. What Kind of Diamonds Pass Diamond Tester?

Diamond testers work best with natural diamonds that have not been treated in any way. Natural diamonds are made of carbon and have a unique atomic structure that allows them to conduct heat well. As a result, diamond testers can easily differentiate between natural diamonds and imitations.

4. What Are The Limitations Of Diamond Testers

While diamond testers are a useful tool for identifying diamonds, they have their limitations. For example, they are not able to detect diamonds that have been treated with certain techniques, as mentioned earlier.

Additionally, diamond testers cannot differentiate between natural and lab-grown diamonds because both types of diamonds have the same thermal conductivity. As a result, if you are looking to differentiate between natural and lab-grown diamonds, you will need to use other methods, such as analyzing the inclusions or looking at the diamond's growth patterns.

What's more, diamond testers are not foolproof, and there are some instances where they may not work as expected. For example, diamond testers may not work with diamonds that have been treated with high pressure and high temperature (HPHT) or irradiation. These treatments can change the thermal conductivity of the diamond, making it difficult for the diamond tester to accurately identify the stone.

5. Can Fake Diamonds Pass Diamond Tester?

Yes, some fake diamonds can pass the diamond tester. Diamond testers are designed to identify thermal conductivity, which is not unique to diamonds. Some diamond simulants, such as moissanite, have a high thermal conductivity and can easily pass the diamond tester.

This is why it is essential to use other methods to verify the authenticity of your diamond or diamond simulant. While a diamond tester can be a useful tool, it should not be the only method used to identify diamonds.

6. Other Options for Testing Your Moissanite

If you have a moissanite stone and want to verify its authenticity, you can use other methods to test it. One common method is the scratch test. Moissanite is a very hard substance, so if you scratch it against a piece of glass, it should leave a scratch on the glass. Diamonds are also very hard and should leave a scratch on the glass as well.

Another method is the loupe test. Moissanite has a different crystal structure than diamonds, so it will have different patterns of light reflection when viewed under a loupe. A trained jeweler or gemologist can quickly identify the differences and tell you whether your stone is a moissanite or a diamond.

In addition, more advanced diamond testers are used to measure electrical conductivity. Diamonds are not good conductors of electricity, unlike moissanite, which exhibits strong electrical conductivity due to the presence of silicon in its composition.

By incorporating this additional parameter, these advanced testers can effectively distinguish between diamonds and moissanite, ensuring a more accurate assessment.

While it may occasionally pass a traditional diamond tester that solely measures thermal conductivity, moissanite can be accurately identified with advanced testers that also measure electrical conductivity.

7. How Do Jewelers Tell if Diamonds are Real?

Jewelers use a variety of methods to identify real diamonds. One of the most common methods is analyzing the inclusions. Diamonds are formed deep underground and often have inclusions, or unique identifying features, that can help identify them. Jewelers use a loupe or microscope to examine the diamond's inclusions and determine whether it is a real diamond.

Another method is analyzing the diamond's growth patterns. Diamonds grow in a unique pattern that can be seen under a microscope. By analyzing the growth patterns, jewelers can determine whether a diamond is real or not.

Finally, jewelers may use a combination of methods, such as the diamond tester, inclusions analysis, and growth pattern analysis, to determine whether a diamond is real or not.

8. How to Tell Moissanite from Diamond

Moissanite, a gemstone that has grown in popularity over the years, is often considered a more affordable and ethically sourced alternative to diamonds.

Its striking visual resemblance to a diamond, combined with its durability and lower price point, have made it an attractive option for those seeking a beautiful, high-quality stone for their jewelry.

Moissanite and diamonds can look very similar to the naked eye, but there are some key differences that can help you tell them apart. One of the most significant differences is the price.

Moissanite is much less expensive than diamonds, so if you find a piece of jewelry that is too good to be true, it may be a moissanite.

Another difference is the color. Moissanite tends to have more of a yellow or green tint than diamonds. Additionally, moissanite has a different crystal structure than diamonds, which can make it sparkle differently under certain lighting conditions.

Finally, you can use the scratch and loupe tests mentioned earlier to identify whether a stone is a moissanite or diamond.

9. Common Misconceptions about Moissanite and Diamond Testing

There are several common misconceptions about moissanite and diamond testing. One of the most significant misconceptions is that moissanite cannot pass a diamond tester. While it is true that moissanite can pass the diamond tester, it is not the only method used to identify diamonds.

Another misconception is that moissanite is a fake diamond. Moissanite is a separate gemstone that is not meant to be a diamond imitation. While it has similar properties to diamonds, it is a unique gemstone in its own right.

10. Tips for Purchasing Moissanite Jewelry

If you are considering purchasing moissanite jewelry, there are several tips to keep in mind. First, make sure you purchase from a reputable jeweler like laiejewelry. A reputable jeweler will be able to provide you with the necessary information about the stone and help you verify its authenticity.

Second, consider the cut of the stone. Moissanite has a different crystal structure than diamonds, so it cannot be cut in the same way. Make sure the cut of the moissanite stone is designed to maximize its brilliance and fire.

Finally, consider the setting of the stone. Moissanite is a durable stone, but it can still be chipped or scratched if not set correctly. Make sure the setting is designed to protect the stone and keep it secure.

Conclusion

As moissanite continues to gain popularity as an alternative to diamonds, it is crucial for jewelers and consumers alike to be aware of the differences between these gemstones and to utilize the appropriate tools to ensure an accurate evaluation.

While moissanite can pass a diamond tester, it is not the only method used to identify diamonds. If you are considering purchasing a moissanite engagement ring or any other piece of jewelry, make sure you use other methods to verify its authenticity.

Remember, moissanite is a unique gemstone in its own right and should not be considered a fake diamond.

By following these tips, you can ensure that you purchase a high-quality piece of moissanite jewelry including moissanite chains, moissanite rings, moissanite earrings, etc. that will last for years to come.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

A NEW DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE I'm Lyn. Because of the occupational requirement and personal interests, I have done research on hip-hop-related culture since 2003. I have carried on a broad and profound study on trendy iced-out jewelry in the market and gold jewelry styling tips for nearly 20 years.

Related external sources

[1]helzberg: What is Moissanite? | Learn About Diamond Alternatives - Helzberg

[2]quora:How come there are moissanites that don't pass diamond tester tests