Does Moissanite Tarnish Over Time?
Moissanite has become a popular choice among those seeking brilliance without the price of diamonds. As more buyers seek affordable and durable engagement rings, does moissanite tarnish over time?
Durability
Moissanite is made from silicon carbide, a crystal known for its strength and resistance to wear. It ranks 9.25 on the Mohs hardness scale, just below diamond. This makes it highly durable for daily wear, especially in rings and bracelets that face frequent contact. Unlike metals that can oxidize, moissanite does not react with air or moisture. The stone itself cannot tarnish, and it doesn’t change color with age or exposure.
Still, in popular Reddit threads like r/Moissanite and r/Jewelry, consumers share mixed experiences. Some say their stones have stayed flawless for years. Others claim their moissanite became cloudy or lost its sparkle. However, many of these complaints are linked to dirt, oil, or soap buildup rather than actual damage. In popular cleaning videos on YouTube and TikTok, creators show how a simple rinse with warm water and mild soap restores moissanite’s brilliance. Once cleaned, the sparkle returns, revealing that the stone itself was unaffected.
Cubic zirconia is often brought up in these comparisons. Some users post side-by-side photos, noting that while CZ may look similar when new, it tends to dull faster. Unlike moissanite, CZ is softer and more likely to scratch or cloud from regular use. This distinction is one reason why many now prefer moissanite for long-term wear.
A 2023 consumer trends report from The Knot showed that 39% of millennials consider moissanite when choosing engagement rings. Among those who had purchased moissanite, most listed long-lasting brilliance and ease of care as major benefits. The same report noted growing concern around ethical sourcing, which plays a large role in moissanite’s popularity.
How it’s made
The appeal of moissanite also lies in how it’s made. Lab-created moissanite is grown in controlled conditions, allowing for a high level of clarity and consistency. These stones are typically free of major inclusions, making them less likely to lose shine due to flaws. Jewelers can cut lab-grown moissanite in precise ways that enhance fire and brilliance, which also helps it stay radiant over time.
Laboratory cultivation also removes the need for traditional mining. For buyers who care about sustainability and environmental impact, this adds to the stone’s appeal. Moissanite offers beauty and performance with a smaller footprint, which is why it continues to grow in popularity.
For those seeking a gemstone that remains brilliant with minimal care, moissanite stands out. It does not tarnish, it resists wear, and with proper cleaning, it stays just as bright as the day it was bought.
