Does Moissanite Scratch? [How Durable Is This Gemstone?]

It seems like everyone is turning to Moissanite rings. And for good reason as they are much more affordable than diamonds and have a lot of sparkle to boot. But what’s the catch? Do they hold up? Here is what you need to know.  

Does moissanite scratch? Moissanite is scratch-resistant. It is one of the toughest and most durable gemstones available. While it rates higher in hardness than most of the other gemstones, it is not immune to all abrasion. Forceful impact against rough surfaces can cause the gem to chip, scratch, or break.   

Moissanite can be a wonderful option, but understanding just how long it can last and what it has to offer is important! Let’s discuss. 

Is Moissanite Scratch Resistant?

Moissanite Is scratch-resistant. It rates 9.25 on the MOH Hardness Scale. In comparison to a Diamond which rates a 10, it ranks very well. To compare it to another popular gemstone, the Topaz only rates an 8. 

This is why Moissanite is just an attractive option. But it has some other fantastic qualities too. 

Durable

Expensive rings and fine jewelry are meant to last.

While you likely won’t be consistently bashing your ring into cement, it should be able to withstand a few bumps here and there. 

After all, we use our hands for everything. 

Moissanite is likely not to chip or scratch from the average activities. It’s not immune, but it is a wonderful choice over so many other gemstones. 

Sparkly

If you love the sparkle that the traditional Diamond gives off, then you are going to be just obsessed with the glimmer and glam of Moissanite. 

Moissanite has a silicone aspect to it which rams up its refractive index. 

Something special about the Moissanite is that in addition to sparkle, it gives off more of a rainbow reflection rather than just sparkly white reflections like the Diamond does. 

Affordable

Moissanite is a great way to save money. 

If you wanted a bigger gemstone, but a Diamond is too much, then Moissanite is a wonderful choice. 

Moissanite can save you up to thousands in comparison to Diamonds depending on the carat size. 

For instance, a 1.5-carat diamond may cost you around $10,000 and more, whereas a 1.5 carat Moissanite can cost just over $1000. 

If you’re a girl who would rather spend some extra money on a honeymoon, this may be the way. 

What Can Damage Moissanite?

While the gemstone is a tough cookie, it is not invincible. It is possible to chip, break, and scratch a Moissanite ring if you are reckless. It may take a lot and could be an accumulation of wear and tear over some time, but bashing and grinding the ring against tough surfaces will surely damage the ring. 

Moissanite and Heat

A Moissanite ring will beat out all gemstones when it comes to heat resistance. 

They even surpass Diamonds in this category. 

They can remain perfectly fine in a house fire up to 2000 degrees Fahrenheit. 

You may be thinking, why would I need a ring to be that resistant? 

Heat sometimes is used to repair gemstones and jewelry, which means this gem will hold up fine. 

Moissanite and Force

You’re more likely to encounter some bumps along the way than you are to expose your ring to 2000 degrees Fahrenheit. 

If you are someone who likes to hike, box, or do anything that uses your hands against rough materials and force, it’s better to take the ring off. 

Repeated beating can cause the ring to wear away, chip, break, or scratch. 

Chemicals

While chemicals won’t necessarily break the tough gemstone, they can take away some of its shine and dull the gem out. 

These are harsh chemicals that you may find in things like hairspray, household cleaning supplies, among many more products that in day-to-day activities. 

How Long Do Moissanite Rings Last?

Moissanite rings will hold up for your entire life. You should not experience any dullness in the gemstone, scratching, or chips as long as you take proper care of the gem. If you are actively banging it around, your results will differ as no ring will be able to survive applied force time and time again. 

On Average

Like the Diamond, the ring is meant to last a lifetime. 

What can change the answer is what type of setting you use. 

It is less about the Moissanite holding up and more about the material used for the setting. 

If you use high-quality gold or silver as you would for any other stone, then the ring will be able to last your lifetime. 

If you use something that is also easily scratched, dented, or damaged, then the entire ring will not withstand constant beating. 

Warranties

Some jewelers are very confident in the Moissanite rings they sell and offer warranties. 

While some definitely will not include scraping and scratching after a certain number of years, they will back up the gemstone’s brilliance and fire. 

This is because some users complain about the gem turning dull. This is a matter sometimes of the gem needing to be cleaned due to dirty and oil.

However, it is a relatively low maintenance gem and will not lose any permanent brilliance at any time. 

How To Care For Moissanite Ring

Just because this rock is literally just that a rock that won’t break on you doesn’t mean you should not take care of it. 

As mentioned, it is not invincible and can be subject to some damage if not looked after properly. 

It is a low-maintenance gemstone, but to keep it in tip-top shape, you should incorporate these things into the maintenance and care routine. 

Basic Cleaning

Because the gem holds up well, you only need to do a little minimal care here and there to make sure it doesn’t have any build-up residue like dirt and oil. 

This is natural, and all gemstones eventually need to be cleaned. 

The least complicated thing you can do is use warm water, mild soap and grab a soft bristle toothbrush or washcloth. 

You can put the ring in this soap and use the cloth or the toothbrush to wash it and rinse it of any build-up. 

Ammonia

For something a little stronger, you can use Ammonia. 

It won’t hurt the jewelry at all, but sometimes people have reactions themselves to it. 

That’s why wearing gloves and possibly goggles in an open-air space is not a bad idea. 

You will continue to use a small washcloth or a toothbrush to wipe down the Moissanite. 

To use the appropriate amount of Ammonia, you can do 1 part of Ammonia solution to 1-2 parts of water and mix it. 

Your Jewelers Cleaner

If you don’t react well to Ammonia and feel the mild soap doesn’t make your ring as squeaky clean as you would like it, likely any jewelry store or specifically the jeweler your ring is from will have their own cleaner. 

You can bring the ring in for them to do it for you, or you can do it yourself by purchasing one of their cleaners if it is up for sale. 

This may cost you more than it is worth because you can simply keep the gemstone at your house almost free of charge. 

Having said that, you know the job will be done well if you bring it for professional services. 

A Fantastic Option

What’s not to love about Moissanite gemstones. 

They look like a Diamond, there almost as tough as a Diamond, they sparkle, they shine, and so much more! 

Diamonds are the traditional path, but Moissanites have been taking over the scene. 

While it is a natural gemstone that originally came from a meteor, it is now made in labs which means bonus; you know it’s not being mined. 

Ecofriendly and human-friendly.

This also results in significant savings for a Moissanite gem. 

The sparkle this jewel gives off has all the colors of the rainbow, which is how you know it’s Moissanite and not a Diamond. 

It has more sparkle as it has silicone in the piece upping its refractive index. 

But don’t worry, you don’t ever have to worry about the gem losing its shine because not only is it scratch-free, but it is durable and rarely becomes cloudy.

Its brilliance and fire can be expected to last anyone a lifetime. 

It’s also super easy to maintain with a little soap and water here and there.

You don’t have to do too much more. 

If you do want to scrub-a-dub a little more than that, you can either use Ammonia or bring it to a Jeweler so they can take care of it.

In some cases, jewelry shops may sell their own special cleaner for their jewelry. 

Jewelers are willing to back that up by handing out Limited Lifetime Warranties that specifically target the brilliance and fire of the gem. 

If it walks like a Diamond, talks like a Diamond, but saves you a fortune isn’t it a great choice?