Does Moissanite Lose Sparkle? 2025

As a jewelry specialist who has spent years comparing moissanite to diamonds and other gemstones, I get this question all the time: does moissanite lose sparkle? The short answer is no—moissanite is one of the most brilliant, durable, and low-maintenance gemstones on the market. But there’s a lot more to the story.

When customers invest in fine jewelry, especially engagement rings, they want reassurance that their gemstone will keep its fire and brilliance for decades to come. Unlike cubic zirconia, which can cloud over time, moissanite is crafted to resist dullness, scratching, and cloudiness. In fact, it often outshines diamonds with its higher refractive index.

In this in-depth guide, I’ll break down everything you need to know about moissanite’s sparkle—why it’s so fiery, how it compares to diamonds, what (if anything) can affect its brilliance, and how to care for it so it dazzles forever. By the end, you’ll have a clear, fact-based understanding of why moissanite has become the go-to gemstone for savvy shoppers who want luxury without compromise.

Now let’s explore the science, beauty, and care behind this remarkable stone.

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What Makes Moissanite Sparkle?

Moissanite owes its sparkle to two key optical properties:

• Refractive Index (RI): At 2.65–2.69, moissanite’s RI is higher than diamond (2.42). This means it bends light more dramatically, creating intense brilliance.

• Dispersion (Fire): Moissanite disperses light at 0.104, nearly double that of diamond. This results in vivid rainbow flashes when exposed to light.

Because of this, moissanite doesn’t just sparkle—it blazes. Its fiery look is so distinct that many gemologists can identify it instantly.

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Does Moissanite Get Cloudy Over Time?

One of the biggest misconceptions is that moissanite turns cloudy like cubic zirconia. That’s not true. High-quality moissanite is lab-created from silicon carbide, a material that does not degrade with time.

• Permanent Brilliance: Moissanite will never lose its internal sparkle.

• Surface Build-Up: The only thing that can dull its shine is dirt, oil, or soap residue—easily cleaned at home.

So while your stone might look less brilliant if you wear it daily without cleaning, it’s not the moissanite itself losing sparkle.

Moissanite vs. Diamond Sparkle

Many shoppers wonder if moissanite looks “too sparkly.” Here’s a comparison:

• Diamond: Classic white sparkle with controlled fire.

• Moissanite: More intense, rainbow-like flashes that some describe as “disco ball” sparkle.

Neither is better—it’s a matter of preference. If you love bold brilliance, moissanite is unmatched.

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Does Moissanite Scratch or Dull?

Moissanite is incredibly durable:

• Hardness: Rated 9.25 on the Mohs scale, just below diamond (10).

• Resistance: Highly resistant to scratches, chipping, and abrasion.

• Longevity: Designed to maintain its luster for a lifetime, even with daily wear.

Unlike softer stones (like emeralds or opals), moissanite won’t lose polish or wear down with time.

How to Keep Moissanite Sparkling

Even though moissanite doesn’t lose sparkle, keeping it clean ensures maximum brilliance.

Best Cleaning Methods:

• Warm water + mild soap: Soak, brush gently with a soft toothbrush, rinse, and dry.

• Ultrasonic or steam cleaners: Safe for moissanite but check your setting (gold/platinum are fine, softer metals may not be).

• Jewelry cloth: Wipes away surface oils.

What to Avoid:

• Harsh chemicals like bleach or acetone.

• Rough scrubbing or abrasive cleaners.

   

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Can Moissanite Lose Sparkle in Certain Situations?

While the gemstone itself never loses brilliance, certain conditions may affect its look:

• Residue build-up: Lotion, makeup, or dish soap can leave a film.

• Dirty prongs or settings: Dust under the stone reduces light reflection.

• Hard water deposits: Minerals can leave spots on the surface.

Fortunately, all of these are temporary and resolved with proper cleaning.

Why Moissanite is a Smart Investment

When it comes to longevity and beauty, moissanite offers:

• Eternal brilliance: Sparkle that won’t fade or dull.

• Affordable luxury: A fraction of the cost of diamonds with superior fire.

• Eco-conscious choice: Lab-created and conflict-free.

This makes moissanite the perfect choice for engagement rings, wedding bands, and everyday fine jewelry.

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Expert Takeaway

So, does moissanite lose sparkle? Absolutely not. Unlike other diamond alternatives, it is engineered to stay just as dazzling decades from now as the day you first put it on.

The only thing that dims moissanite is surface residue—something you can fix in minutes with a quick clean. When cared for properly, it remains a gemstone of brilliance, fire, and durability, making it one of the most trusted and enduring diamond alternatives in the jewelry world.

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