Moissanite is a popular diamond alternative that has gained popularity in recent years due to its affordability and durability. However, identifying coated moissanite can be a challenge, especially for the untrained eye. In this article, we’ll explore several common ways to quickly identify coated moissanite.
Observing Under UV Light
One of the quickest and easiest ways to identify coated moissanite is to observe it under UV light. Unlike diamonds, moissanite is known to fluoresce under UV light, emitting a green or blue glow. If you see this type of fluorescence, there’s a high probability that the stone is a coated moissanite.
Observing Sparkle
Moissanite has a different type of sparkle than diamonds, which can be observed with a trained eye. While diamonds sparkle with a white light, moissanite tends to have a more colorful, rainbow-like sparkle with flashes of pink, yellow, green, or blue. This distinctive sparkle is due to moissanite’s higher refractive index compared to diamonds.
Observing Weight
Moissanite is less dense than diamonds, which means that a moissanite stone of the same size as a diamond will weigh less. If you have a scale, you can quickly weigh the stone and compare it to the weight of a diamond of the same size. This method is not foolproof, as some coatings can add weight to a moissanite stone, but it’s still a good starting point.
Observing Color
Another way to quickly identify coated moissanite is to observe its color. Moissanite tends to have a yellow or gray tint, while diamonds are usually colorless or near colorless. If you observe a stone with a noticeable tint, there’s a chance that it’s a coated moissanite.
Using a Diamond Tester
A diamond tester is a tool that can quickly identify whether a stone is a diamond or not based on its thermal conductivity. Moissanite has a higher thermal conductivity than diamonds, which means that a diamond tester will typically identify a coated moissanite as moissanite. While this method can be effective, it’s not foolproof, as some coatings can alter a stone’s thermal conductivity.
In conclusion, identifying coated moissanite can be a challenge, but there are several common ways to quickly identify it. By observing under UV light, observing sparkle, observing weight, observing color, and using a diamond tester, you can increase your chances of identifying coated moissanite accurately. If you’re still unsure about a stone’s authenticity, it’s always best to consult with a professional gemologist or jeweler.
It’s essential to note that coated moissanite can be even more challenging to identify as the coating can mask some of the stone’s natural characteristics. In some cases, the coating can enhance the stone’s optical properties, making it appear more similar to a diamond. Additionally, some coatings can improve the color of the stone, making it more challenging to distinguish from a diamond. Therefore, it’s crucial to rely on multiple identification methods to increase your chances of identifying coated moissanite accurately.
Suppose you’re in the market for a moissanite stone or already own one and want to confirm its authenticity. In that case, it’s always best to have it evaluated by a professional gemologist or jeweler. They have the necessary expertise and equipment to identify coated moissanite accurately. A gemologist can also examine the stone’s clarity, cut, and other characteristics to help you determine its value.
In summary, identifying coated moissanite can be tricky, but with the right knowledge and tools, it’s possible to identify it accurately. By observing under UV light, observing sparkle, observing weight, observing color, and using a diamond tester, you can increase your chances of identifying coated moissanite. However, if you’re unsure about a stone’s authenticity, it’s always best to seek the opinion of a professional gemologist or jeweler.
