(Disclaimer: This article is intended to provide readers with basic identification methods for diamond simulants and does not represent any commercial promotion.) Diamond purchases should rely on testing and identification by professional institutions to ensure the authenticity and quality of the goods purchased. If in doubt, consult a professional. ）
Commercially available synthetic moissanite
As the king of the gemstone world, diamonds lead people's pursuits and dreams. However, the wide variety of diamond simulants confuses us when choosing. Today, let's unveil these counterfeiters one by one, so that we can all become "golden eyes" and no longer be blinded by imitation diamonds!
Moissanite hexagonal pits and surface etched tubes (Source: Gems & Gemology, Vol. 53, No. 4, December 2017)
The most common diamond simulants on the market are mainly cubic zirconia (CZ) and moissanite (synthetic moissanite), while early diamond varieties also include artificial gadolinium gallium garnet (GGG), artificial yttrium garnet (YAG), artificial strontium titanate, synthetic rutile and glass. However, synthetic rutile and glass are no longer available on the market as diamond simulants.
Moissanite hexagonal pits and surface etched tubes (Source: Gems & Gemology, Vol. 53, No. 4, December 2017)
In order to identify diamond simulants, we mainly rely on characteristics such as refractive index, hardness, and dispersion index (i.e. fire strength). With a refractive index of 2.417 and a hardness of 10, diamonds also exhibit distinctive properties in the refraction and scattering of light. These characteristics make diamonds unique in identification.
Jointly cubic zirconia (Source: Gems & Gemology, Vol. 48, No. 1, April 2012)
Cubic zirconia is one of the most common imitation diamond materials, with a refractive index of 2.15 and a hardness of 8.5. However, the density of cubic zirconia is 6.0, which is significantly higher than that of diamond. In addition, it has an orange glimmer on the pavilion facets, while diamonds rarely appear. These characteristics become the key to discernment.
Combined cubic zirconia (Source: Gems & Gemology)
Moissanite, also known as synthetic moissanite, has physical properties closer to diamond. However, moissanite often has yellow, green, gray-green hues and other hues that distinguish it from the brilliance of diamonds. In addition, synthetic moissanite varies in hardness, color, and fluorescence properties.
COMPARISON CHART OF DIAMOND AND CUBIC ZIRCONIA (SOURCE: DIAMOND BUZZ)
In addition to cubic zirconia and moissanite, synthetic colorless sapphire, synthetic colorless spinel, artificial yttrium aluminum garnet and artificial gadolinium gallium garnet were also representatives of imitation diamonds. However, their refractive index, hardness, density and other properties are significantly different from diamonds, and through these characteristics, we are able to distinguish them from diamonds.
Different rare earth elements color will show different colors of artificial yttrium garnet (Source: Gems & Gemology, April 2023, No. 59, Vol. 1)
Rhinestones, i.e. synthetic high-lead glass, were once one of the main varieties of imitation diamonds. However, with the improvement of identification methods, the refractive index and hardness of glass differ significantly, so that glass no longer exists as a diamond imitation material.
High-lead glass on the market (Source: Brand Swarovski)
With the development of technology, new imitation diamond materials such as synthetic rutile and artificial strontium titanate have emerged, and their physical properties are closer to diamond, but there are still differences in hardness, density and other aspects. The unique characteristics of a diamond allow it to remain unique in identification.
Natural diamonds (Source: Gems & Gemology, photo by Gilbertson and Green)
When buying diamonds, it is important to understand the characteristics and identification methods of these simulants. Especially as the market share of synthetic diamonds gradually increases, we need to rely on professional technology and instruments to accurately identify. Therefore, choosing a reputable professional organization for testing and identification to ensure that the purchase of real diamonds has become an urgent need of every consumer.
Synthetic colorless sapphire on the left and natural colorless sapphire on the right (Source: Gems & Gemology, Vol. 35, No. 1, April 1999)
In this world of diamonds, only true light can shine for eternity. In any case, diamond simulants can hardly hide the brilliance of a real diamond. For consumers, knowing how to identify and protect their rights can make informed decisions when buying diamonds.
Synthetic rutile of 11.13 ct, 110.18 ct and 11.91 ct from left to right: Gems & Gemology, April 2023, No. 59, Volume 1