Is Moissanite See-Through? Understanding Its Transparency and Clarity

Moissanite is a highly transparent, near-colourless (or colourless) gemstone that can appear more “see-through” or glass-like compared to a diamond. Naturally brilliant and durable, it ranks 9.25–9.5 on the Mohs scale, almost as hard as diamonds. 

Lab-created for consistent quality, ethical sourcing, and environmental friendliness, moissanite bends and splits light to produce vivid rainbow flashes and intense sparkle. 

Here, you’ll explore why moissanite looks so clear, how light interacts with it, and what factors affect its transparency, helping you understand its unique visual appeal.

What You Should Know About Moissanite

• Moissanite is composed of silicon carbide, with a crystalline structure that maximises brilliance and fire.
  

• Lab-grown stones are near-flawless, usually eye-clean, and have minimal internal inclusions.
  

• Its refractive index (2.65–2.69) is higher than diamond (2.42), enhancing dispersion and sparkle.
  

• Temporary dullness is caused by surface oils, lotions, or dirt, not internal flaws.
  

• Durable and scratch-resistant, it does not cloud over time like cubic zirconia.
  

• Consistent quality ensures predictable clarity, unlike natural diamonds which vary in inclusions.
  

• An eco-friendly, ethical, and budget-friendly alternative to diamonds without compromising on appearance.

Franck Laurent makes moissanite jewellery that is ethically sourced. Our stones are always clear, easy to see through, and sparkle brightly.

Factors That Affect See-Through Quality

Moissanite’s transparency and clarity depend on how light passes through its crystalline structure. Multiple factors influence this:

Moissanite’s clarity remains intact internally, even if external factors reduce visible transparency temporarily. Proper handling and regular cleaning preserve its full brilliance.

How Light Interacts with Moissanite

Moissanite’s high refractive index and dispersion make it exceptionally brilliant. Unlike many gemstones, moissanite splits white light into its spectral colours, producing a rainbow-like “fire.” This effect is more intense than diamonds, whose lower refractive index produces subtler flashes.

Its scintillation, or sparkle, is visible from almost every angle, giving moissanite a unique visual appeal. Even near-colourless stones appear lively and vivid because of how efficiently moissanite interacts with light.

Moissanite vs Diamond Optical Properties

These properties explain why moissanite appears brighter and more colourful than many diamonds of similar clarity.

Common Misconceptions About Moissanite Clarity

Despite its popularity, several myths surround moissanite:

• Moissanite gets cloudy over time: False. Dullness is caused by surface oils or dust, which are easily cleaned.
  

• Moissanite contains many inclusions: False. Lab-created moissanite is nearly flawless; any microscopic patterns are invisible to the naked eye.
  

• Clarity does not matter: False. Even lab-grown stones need proper cutting and polishing to maximise sparkle.
  

• Moissanite is fake because it’s perfect: False. It is real silicon carbide; its high clarity is a result of lab precision.
  

• Oilslick effect ruins the stone: False. This is temporary and superficial, removable with cleaning.
  

Moissanite’s reputation for clarity is actually stronger than most natural diamonds because it is produced under controlled conditions.

Moissanite vs Diamond: Clarity Comparison

Moissanite offers a more predictable, consistent clarity profile than diamonds. While natural diamonds may contain inclusions even at high grades, moissanite is almost always eye-clean and internally flawless.

The higher refractive index of moissanite produces rainbow flashes that can mask tiny imperfections that would otherwise be visible in a diamond.

Maintaining Moissanite’s Transparency

Even though moissanite is extremely hard, surface contaminants can reduce its sparkle. Regular maintenance preserves clarity and fire.

Routine Care

• Soak in warm water with mild soap for 10–20 minutes.
  

• Gently scrub with a soft-bristled brush around the stone and under the prongs.
  

• Rinse and dry with a soft cloth.
  
  

Preventive Measures

• Avoid applying lotions, makeup, or harsh chemicals while wearing moissanite.
  

• Store in a clean, dry compartment or soft pouch to prevent dust accumulation.
  
  

Professional Maintenance

• Ultrasonic cleaning is safe for moissanite but check delicate settings first.
  

• Professional polishing and inspection once or twice a year maintains maximum brilliance.
  

Proper care ensures moissanite remains clear and fiery for decades. Temporary dullness is always surface-level and reversible.

See Moissanite Clarity in Real Jewellery

Reading about transparency is one thing. Seeing it in real pieces makes the difference. Franck Laurent’s moissanite collection shows how clear and light-responsive the stone looks when set into everyday jewellery.

Moissanite Rings

In rings, moissanite’s clarity is easy to notice. Light moves through the stone from different angles, creating strong sparkle without a cloudy or dull look.

Moissanite Earrings

Earrings reflect light with every small movement. Moissanite stays bright and clear, even in softer lighting, making the sparkle look natural rather than flashy.

Moissanite Necklaces

Necklaces sit flat against the chest, where clarity is more visible. Moissanite keeps a clean, sharp look, allowing light to pass through smoothly without losing brilliance.

Moissanite Pendants

Pendants allow more light to enter from all sides. This makes moissanite’s transparency and fire stand out, showing its true clarity as it moves.

Final Thoughts: Is Moissanite Truly See-Through?

Yes. Moissanite is naturally transparent, with near-perfect clarity and exceptional brilliance. Its fire, refractive properties, and durability make it a visually striking gemstone. Any temporary loss of sparkle is caused by surface factors, not internal flaws.

With proper care, moissanite retains its transparency, fire, and sparkle for years. Lab-created, ethically sourced, and consistent in quality, it remains one of the most brilliant and clear gemstones available today.

FAQs About Moissanite Transparency

Why does moissanite appear more sparkly than diamonds?

Moissanite has a higher refractive index (2.65–2.69) and greater dispersion (0.104) than diamonds, which bends and splits light into rainbow flashes more intensely, producing stronger fire and brilliance.

Can the thickness or size of moissanite affect its transparency?

Yes. Larger or thicker stones slightly reduce light transmission, which may make them appear less transparent from certain angles, but the clarity remains internally intact.

How do surface conditions impact moissanite’s see-through quality?

Scratches, smudges, or residue scatter light, reducing transparency. Polishing and regular cleaning restore full clarity and sparkle.

How does lighting affect perceived moissanite transparency?

Ambient light, background colour, and viewing angle can influence how clear or fiery moissanite looks. Direct bright light enhances sparkle, while dim or uneven lighting can reduce perceived transparency.

How does moissanite clarity compare to natural diamonds of similar size?

Moissanite generally has more consistent clarity. Diamonds may have visible inclusions unless they are high-grade (VVS or FL), while most moissanite stones are eye-clean and internally flawless.

Can cleaning or professional maintenance improve moissanite transparency?

Yes. Soaking in mild soap and water, gentle brushing, and occasional professional polishing remove surface residue, restoring maximum brilliance and fire.