This detailed guide explores how moissanite, a popular diamond alternative, can exhibit fluorescence when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light.
Does Moissanite Glow Under UV Light?
Moissanite often fluoresces under UV light, emitting a bluish or greenish glow depending on the stone’s specific composition. This reaction is caused by trace elements within the gemstone, such as boron. Not all moissanite displays fluorescence, however, and its intensity and color can vary based on the conditions in which it was created.
If a moissanite glows under UV light, it’s neither good nor bad — fluorescence is common and does not impact or define the quality of the moissanite.
Moissanite vs. Diamond Under UV Light
Like moissanite, diamonds can fluoresce as well, but their glow is typically less intense and varies in color, often appearing blue. The difference in fluorescence between moissanite and diamond can be a diagnostic tool in gemology for identifying these stones under UV light.
Under UV light, moissanite’s fluorescence tends to be more pronounced than that of diamonds. Here are key differences:
- Fluorescence Intensity: Moissanite usually exhibits stronger fluorescence.
- Color of Glow: Moissanite can show blue, green, or yellow fluorescence, whereas diamonds predominantly glow blue.
- Reliability for Identification: Gemologists often use UV light as one of several methods to distinguish between diamonds and moissanite. However, fluorescence alone is not definitive, as some moissanite and diamonds may show overlapping characteristics.
For more technical accuracy, using a diamond tester or examining the refractive properties can further confirm a gemstone’s identity.
Can UV Light Damage Moissanite?
No, exposure to UV light does not cause structural or visual damage to moissanite, which retains its brilliance and fire over time.
