Moissanite Testers

A Moissanite tester distinguishes diamonds from Moissanite

Diamond Tester

Moissanite is manufactured in the United States by Charles & Colvard, Ltd.  It is a potentially beautiful synthetic gemstone that looks like a diamond to the naked eye.  It also conducts heat at the same speed as a diamond, so a diamond tester conducting heat conductivity testing (which is how most diamond testers work) will not distinguish it from a diamond.  A moissanite has a value of 10% to 15% of the value of a diamond of similar weight and clarity.  So if it is a diamond you are intending to buy, you can lose a lot of money by accidentally taking home a moissanite.

You can distinguish diamond from moissanite in many ways.  For example, you can try a scratch test, because moissanite is softer than diamond.  (Diamond hardness is a 10 while moissanite is 9.25.) The problem with the scratch test is that you can ruin some valuable moissanite, and in fact, put scratches in actual diamond.  This is because diamond has different degrees of directional hardness and the hard diamond point will scratch against any diamond facet presenting a slightly softer hardness direction.

Moissanite is doubly refractive.  When a ray of light passes through it, it is slowed, bent, and split in two.  A diamond is not doubly refractive.  You could examine a gemstone under a triplet loupe and look for double refractivity.  If you find that it is doubly refractive, it is not a diamond.  The problem is that every double refractive gem has at least one direction in which the material behaves like a singly refractive gem.

The most convenient way to test for moissanite is to use a moissanite tester.  A moissanite tester puts an electrical current into the gemstone, and then measures how well the stone conducts the electricity as compared to a diamond.  This method is fast, especially if you are testing multiple stones.  Bright light focussed upon a moissanite will serve to accentuate its characteristic electrical conductivity, making it easier to distinguish moissanite from diamond.  Remember. you will first have to distinguish the "alleged" diamond from simulants like cubic zirconia and some sapphire.  For this you use a diamond tester that relies upon the unique heat conductivity properties of diamonds.  Each type of gemstone has its own characteristic rate for conducting heat.  It is best to use a diamond tester that is a multi-tester, i.e., one that applies the heat conductivity test and the electrical conductivity test at the same time, eliminating both simulants and moissanite.

A diamond multi-tester distinguishes diamonds from all other minerals including moissanite.

Diamond Wizard Multi-tester

Diamond Wizard Multi-Tester

by Tri-Electronics

Tests simulants and moissanite, fast turnaround, accepts rechargable batteries and features light enhanced moissanite detection.

MSRP: $279.00 Your Price: $179.95

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AC Power Supply for All Tri-Electronics Diamond Multi-Testers

Accepts AC 120V

MSRP: $25.00 Your Price: $9.95

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A multi-tester combines the heat conductivity test of a diamond tester with the electrical conductivity test of a moissanite tester in a single test instrument.

Since most diamond multi-testers work this way, how do you shop for a diamond tester? One critical feature to look for is whether the multi-tester will warn you if you are touching a metal prong instead of a gemstone.  This is important because a metal prong will register as diamond on most diamond testers that lack a metal warning.

If you will be using the diamond tester in multiple locations, you will want one that will test diamonds accurately across a range of different room temperatures.  After all, you are doing a thermal conductivity test.

If you are going to be testing diamonds in large numbers, you will want your diamond tester to warm up fast and to have little or no lag time between tests.

You may want to power the diamond tester with a convenient and replaceable battery, unfettered by a power cord.  Or, you may want to sit at your bench and bulk test gemstones one after the other, relying on AC power.  Your diamond tester should give you either option.

You are going to want a multi-tester with a retracting tip.  The reason is that the spring loaded tip assists you to apply just the right amount of pressure without damaging the tip, avoiding damage and downtime for repairs.

Finally, where is the factory that manufactured your diamond tester?  How long is your warranty and where do you get your warranty service done?

We feature combination diamond/moissanite testers made by Tri-Electronics, based in San Diego, California. They have ALL of the features noted above, great factory warranties and EXCELLENT service.

High intensity light enhances the detection of moissanite with a multitester applying an electrical conductivity test.  The Diamond Wizard features a high intensity light illuminating the diamond that you are testing.  Though it comes with 3 AAA alkaline batteries, it accepts 3 AAA NimH Batteries which are rechargeable. An A/C power adaptor is optional at $9.95. It is covered by a 3 year factory warranty.  Warranty service takes place reliably in San Diego, California.