Moissanite is made from silicon carbide. This is a naturally occurring mineral, but almost all jewellery-grade stones are lab-grown. Labs carefully control temperature and pressure to produce a flawless crystal. The stone’s brilliance and hardness come from its crystal structure. It ranks 9.25 on the Mohs hardness scale.
Only diamond is harder. Moissanite’s hardness makes it highly resistant to scratches and chips. The colour is uniform throughout the stone. Nothing is painted or coated. This ensures the stone does not fade over time. Heat, UV light, and daily wear do not weaken it. The crystal’s strong bonds also prevent rust or tarnish.
How Moissanite Reacts to Air, Oils, and Everyday Exposure
Moissanite is chemically stable. It does not react with air, skin oils, or household chemicals like most metals. Contact with lotions, soaps, or dust can create a thin film that reduces sparkle temporarily.
This is not tarnish. The crystal itself remains intact. A simple rinse with warm water and mild soap restores the original shine. Questions like “do moissanite fade” or “do moissanite rings tarnish” are often due to surface residue, not damage. The stone maintains clarity and colour even after years of exposure to normal air and handling.
What Water and Moisture Can Do to Moissanite Over Time
Moissanite does not fade in water. It is unaffected by handwashing, swimming, or showers. Even in rings, the stone remains bright and clear.
Only minerals in water, such as calcium or magnesium, can leave temporary marks on the surface, which may make the stone look slightly cloudy. Gentle cleaning removes these deposits. Moissanite does not rust, tarnish, or lose colour in wet or humid conditions, and its crystal is non-porous, so water cannot penetrate or damage it.
Why Moissanite Holds Its Colour and Brightness for Years
The brilliance of Moissanite comes from its high refractive index of 2.65–2.69, higher than diamond, giving it exceptional fire and sparkle. Its dispersion separates white light into rainbow flashes, and the colour is intrinsic to the crystal, it is not coated or treated.
Exposure to sunlight, heat, or chemicals does not alter this colour. People who wonder “will moissanite fade” can be reassured that the gem maintains brightness and tone over decades.
This makes Moissanite especially ideal for necklaces and pendants, which are often exposed to sunlight and daily wear, ensuring they retain their vibrant sparkle without fading.
What Can Make Moissanite Look Dull or Less Radiant
Dullness usually comes from external factors. Oils, lotion residue, dust, soap film, or mineral deposits can scatter light. This can make the stone appear flat. The crystal itself is unchanged. Regular washing with warm water and mild soap restores shine. Using a soft cloth to wipe daily can prevent surface residue from building up. Unlike other stones, Moissanite does not require special cleaners or polishing.
How Build-Up Affects Moissanite and Creates a Cloudy Look
Hard water and cosmetic powders can leave micro-deposits on Moissanite. This sometimes gives the impression of cloudiness. People often ask “will moissanite get cloudy.” Cloudiness is always temporary. It can occur in small cracks of the setting or under prongs. The crystal itself is unaffected. Cleaning with a soft brush and warm water removes residue. A short soak for stubborn deposits restores clarity.
Common Myths About Moissanite and Discolouration
Moissanite cannot rust. Rust requires iron, which is absent in silicon carbide. Misunderstandings arise when silver or other metals around the stone tarnish. Questions like “does moissanite tarnish in water” or “do moissanite rings tarnish” usually refer to metals, not the gem. Moissanite does not corrode, discolour, or fade. The gem maintains brightness for decades.
How Moissanite Interacts With Different Metal Settings
The metal can affect appearance, but not the stone. Silver tarnishes over time, which can darken reflections on the stone. Gold and platinum remain bright longer. Prong settings may trap oils or dirt, giving the illusion of cloudiness. The crystal itself remains colourfast. Choosing a stable metal enhances the overall look but does not change Moissanite’s properties.
Moissanite Hardness and Natural Resistance to Wear
Moissanite is extremely hard and durable. Only diamonds are harder. It resists scratches, chips, and abrasions from daily activities. It withstands heat from cooking, sunlight, and indoor lights. Its non-porous structure prevents liquids and dirt from penetrating. This is why it does not fade or tarnish. Even over years of constant wear, the crystal maintains brilliance.
When Moissanite Appears Cloudy and How To Restore It
Cloudiness is usually caused by trapped dirt under settings or prongs. It is not fading or tarnish. Cleaning with warm water and a soft brush restores clarity. For stubborn deposits, a short soak or professional cleaning may be needed. The crystal itself does not degrade. Cloudiness is always temporary.
How Cleaning Habits Influence Moissanite Sparkle
Weekly gentle cleaning keeps Moissanite bright. Rinse under warm water and mild soap, then wipe with a soft cloth. Avoid strong chemicals that can harm the setting. Regular care prevents oils and dust from forming a film. Unlike softer stones, Moissanite’s sparkle is resilient. Cleaning restores it completely.
Why Moissanite Remains Stable in Wet or Humid Conditions
Moissanite’s structure does not react with water or humidity. Rain, showers, or handwashing does not affect colour or clarity. It does not soften, fade, rust, or tarnish. This makes it ideal for daily rings. Exposure to moisture does not change the stone in any way.
How Moissanite Compares to Diamonds Over Time
Moissanite is nearly as hard as diamond. Diamond ranks 10 on Mohs scale, Moissanite 9.25. Both maintain clarity and brilliance for decades. Moissanite disperses light more strongly, creating rainbow flashes. These flashes are natural, not fading. Both gems withstand heat, sunlight, and normal wear. Moissanite provides long-term durability at a lower price point.
Moissanite Care Habits That Support Long Term Shine
Wipe the stone with a soft cloth after daily wear. Wash weekly with warm water and mild soap. Store in a soft pouch or separate compartment to prevent scratches. Remove rings during heavy work. Avoid abrasive chemicals that may damage the setting. Following these habits preserves brilliance for years.
When Moissanite Needs a Deep Clean or Expert Attention
If cloudiness persists after home cleaning, dirt may be trapped under prongs. Professional ultrasonic cleaning reaches these areas safely. The crystal itself rarely needs repair. Its hardness and chemical stability make it highly durable. Deep cleaning restores the original sparkle without risk to the stone.
What To Expect From Moissanite During Everyday Wear
Moissanite stays bright and clear with normal daily use. Temporary dullness is always from surface residue, not tarnish or fading. Regular gentle cleaning restores sparkle. The crystal retains its colour, brilliance, and structure for decades. It does not rust, fade, or tarnish in water, air, or humidity. Moissanite is one of the most reliable gems for engagement rings and daily jewellery.
FAQs
What is the best way to clean Moissanite without damaging it?
The easiest way is to use warm water and a mild soap. Gently brush the stone with a soft toothbrush to remove any dirt or oils. Avoid strong chemicals or harsh cleaners that could damage the metal. Rinse well and dry with a soft cloth to keep it sparkling.
Can the metal setting affect how bright Moissanite looks?
Yes, the metal can make a difference. Silver can tarnish over time, which may make the stone look less bright. Gold and platinum keep their colour better and show off the sparkle more. Dust or oils trapped in the setting can also dull the look, even though the stone stays clear.
How often should Moissanite jewellery be professionally cleaned?
It’s a good idea to have Moissanite professionally cleaned about once or twice a year. Professional cleaning can remove dirt that builds up under prongs or settings, which home cleaning might miss. It keeps the stone looking its best, especially for rings that are worn every day.
Can cosmetic products or perfumes affect Moissanite’s shine?
Yes, things like lotions, powders, and perfumes can leave a thin film on the stone. This can make it look a bit dull, but it doesn’t harm the Moissanite itself. A quick wash with warm water and mild soap will restore the sparkle in no time.
Is Moissanite safe for everyday activities like cooking or gardening?
Yes, Moissanite is very hard and durable, so it can handle most everyday activities. The crystal won’t scratch or fade easily. However, the metal setting can get scratched, so it’s best to take the ring off for heavy jobs. This keeps both the stone and setting looking their best.
