COMPARE GUIDE
MoissaniteVSSynthetic Rutile
Side-by-side comparison of physical properties, fluorescence, and crystal system — to identify by observation.
- ◎ is higher in Synthetic Rutile, giving a numerical distinguishing point.
- ◎ is higher in Moissanite, giving a numerical distinguishing point.
- ◎ is higher in Synthetic Rutile, giving a numerical distinguishing point.
- ◎ is higher in Synthetic Rutile, giving a numerical distinguishing point.
Note: properties whose numeric ranges do not overlap are auto-extracted. Both are measurable with a refractometer or heavy-liquid bath.
| Property | A: Moissanite | B: Synthetic Rutile | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Refractive index (RI) | 2.648–2.691 | 2.616–2.903 | Overlap |
| Specific gravity (SG) | 3.20–3.22 | 4.20–4.30 | B higher |
| Mohs hardness | 9.3 | 6.0–6.5 | A higher |
| Birefringence | 0.043 | 0.287 | B higher |
| Dispersion | 0.104 | 0.300 | B higher |
| Property | A: Moissanite | B: Synthetic Rutile |
|---|---|---|
| Crystal system | 六方晶系 | 正方晶系 |
| Pleochroism | — | — |
| Chelsea filter | inert | inert |
| UV (long-wave) | weak (orange) | inert |
| UV (short-wave) | inert | inert |
◆Moissanite (SiC, RI 2.65–2.69, SG 3.22, Mohs 9.25, 0.104) is dramatically harder than synthetic rutile (Mohs 6.5) — moissanite shows no comparable scratching or edge chipping in worn pieces, while synthetic rutile shows visible degradation within a year of ring wear. Moissanite's (0.104) is significant but markedly less than synthetic rutile's 0.280–0.330; moissanite's body color is essentially neutral where synthetic rutile shows persistent yellow tint. Moissanite's combined thermal/electrical conductivity test gives a positive moissanite identification; synthetic rutile reads as 'neither.'
Distinguishing tools
Tools that decide between Moissanite and Synthetic Rutile in practice.
Note: this page is auto-generated from published GIA / CGL reference values. Individual stones, treatments, and synthetics may fall outside these ranges. For a definitive identification, consult an accredited gem laboratory.