Does Moissanite Scratch? The Complete Durability Guide

When choosing a gemstone for everyday jewelry, durability is essential. You want something that stays beautiful for decades, not a stone showing scratches after a few months. This leads to a common question: does moissanite scratch?

The answer is that moissanite does not scratch easily. Rated 9.25-9.5 on the Mohs hardness scale, moissanite is the second-hardest gemstone used in jewelry—only diamond ranks higher. This exceptional hardness means your moissanite engagement rings and daily-wear pieces will remain virtually scratch-free for a lifetime.

Understanding Moissanite's Mohs Hardness Rating

The Mohs Scale ranks minerals from 1 (softest) to 10 (hardest) based on scratch resistance. Moissanite sits at 9.25-9.5—just below diamond (10) and above sapphires (9). This hardness comes from moissanite's silicon carbide composition, where strong covalent bonds create an ultra-rigid crystalline structure.

Material	Mohs Hardness
Diamond	10.0
Moissanite	9.25 - 9.5
Cubic Zirconia	8.0 - 8.5
Glass	5.5

Can Moissanite Scratch Glass?

Yes, moissanite easily scratches glass. Since glass rates only 5.5 on the Mohs scale, moissanite (at 9.25-9.5) creates visible marks on glass while remaining completely unharmed. This scratch test was historically used to identify diamonds, but moissanite passes just as easily—demonstrating its impressive hardness without the diamond price tag.

What Can Scratch Moissanite?

The list is remarkably short. Diamond is the only common material that can scratch moissanite. Another moissanite stone could potentially scratch yours under significant pressure, and rare industrial materials like cubic boron nitride can as well—but these aren't encountered in daily life.

What cannot scratch moissanite? Virtually everything else: sapphires, quartz dust, hardened steel, glass, keys, coins, and all precious metals. Your moissanite won't be scratched by phones, keyboards, countertops, or any common surface. The only precaution needed is storing moissanite separately from diamond jewelry to keep both pristine.

Moissanite vs Diamond vs Cubic Zirconia

Property	Moissanite	Diamond	CZ
Hardness	9.25-9.5	10	8-8.5
Lifespan	Lifetime	Lifetime	2-10 years
Fire	0.104	0.044	0.058
1ct Price	$200-$600	$3,000+	$10-$30

While diamond is technically harder, moissanite offers comparable everyday durability with a key advantage: it lacks diamond's cleavage planes (internal weaknesses where diamonds can split), making moissanite exceptionally chip-resistant. Moissanite also produces 2.4 times more fire than diamond, creating stunning rainbow sparkle at 85-95% less cost.

Why Moissanite Outperforms Cubic Zirconia

The durability difference between moissanite and CZ is significant. Moissanite is more than twice as hard as cubic zirconia in absolute measurements. CZ typically develops a cloudy, scratched appearance within 2-10 years because its softer surface accumulates damage, and its porous structure absorbs oils that dull its sparkle.

Moissanite maintains its brilliance indefinitely. Its stable silicon carbide structure doesn't degrade, which is why premium moissanite jewelry from Revarado comes with lifetime warranties—something CZ retailers simply cannot offer. For moissanite wedding bands worn daily for decades, this durability difference is crucial.

Caring for Your Moissanite Jewelry

Since moissanite won't scratch easily, maintenance is simple. Most apparent "scratches" are actually oil buildup from lotions and skin contact—warm water with mild soap and a soft brush restores full brilliance instantly. Store your pieces separately from diamonds, and feel confident wearing moissanite during everyday activities like washing dishes, exercising, or gardening.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does moissanite scratch easily?

No. At 9.25-9.5 Mohs hardness, only diamond can scratch moissanite during normal circumstances.

Will moissanite scratch over time?

No. Common materials like dust, steel, and glass cannot mark moissanite, so it maintains its original polish indefinitely.

Can I wear moissanite every day?

Absolutely. Moissanite's exceptional hardness makes it perfect for engagement rings and everyday jewelry that needs to last a lifetime.

Moissanite delivers diamond-like durability at a fraction of the cost, dramatically outlasting cheaper alternatives like cubic zirconia. For anyone seeking the ideal combination of beauty, scratch resistance, and value, moissanite is an outstanding choice that will sparkle brilliantly for generations.