As an online privacy expert and gemstone enthusiast, I‘m often asked about comparing moissanite and amora gems. Both sparkle beautifully as diamond alternatives. But what exactly sets them apart? Which makes the best option for jewelry?
In this in-depth 3500+ word guide, I‘ll analyze all aspects of moissanite vs amora to help you decide. My goal is to provide detailed facts and unbiased insights into these stunning lab-created gems. Let‘s dive in!
A Brief History First
Before comparing moissanite and amora, it helps to understand their origins. While both stones are lab-created today, they took very different journeys to the jewelry world.
The Discovery of Moissanite
Natural moissanite traces back to a meteor crater in Arizona. In 1893, French chemist Henri Moissan discovered rare mineral crystals he first believed were diamonds. In fact, the crystals would come to be known as moissanite – naturally occurring silicon carbide crystals named after Moissan.
However, natural moissanite is incredibly scarce on Earth. So in the 1990s, researchers at a lab in North Carolina developed methods to create moissanite crystals in controlled lab environments.
This allowed the unique gems to be manufactured affordably at scale. By 1998, the company Charles & Colvard successfully created uniform white moissanite crystals for jewelry use. They held exclusive global rights until 2015. Since then, many companies worldwide have expanded moissanite production.
The Origins of Amora Gem
Unlike moissanite, the start of amora gems remains shrouded in some mystery. According to its trademark holders, amora originated from ancient meteors in deep space. They claim only extreme heat found near stars can form amora – making natural occurrences impossibly rare.
While moissanite relies on verifiable discovery details, amora‘s distant cosmic origin story is harder to reliably confirm. Top geological experts believe both moissanite and amora sold today are created entirely in labs on Earth without space materials. The depths of space make mining gems utterly impractical.
Either way, amora gem production methods were patented more recently in 2013. Amora‘s makers assert their process generates a more optically pure silicon carbide. But those techniques remain confidential secrets.
Now let‘s move onto directly comparing moissanite and amora side-by-side across the factors that matter most.
Optical Properties
The brilliance and fire of any gemstone ultimately determine its beauty. This is an area where both moissanite and amora excel as diamond alternatives. Let‘s analyze the optical characteristics of each using technical metrics.
Light Performance Metrics
Refractive Index – This measures how much a gemstone‘s material slows and bends incoming light. Higher numbers indicate more sparkle potential.
- Moissanite RI: 2.65 – 2.69
- Amora RI: 2.66 – 2.71
Dispersion – The scattering of white light into rainbow colors as it exits a gem. Higher dispersion means more fire.
- Moissanite: 0.104
- Amora: 0.104
As you can see, moissanite and amora grade very closely in terms of optical performance. Both refractive indices exceed fine diamonds (typical RI of 2.4) to provide exceptional brilliance. And their nearly identical dispersion ratings explain the gorgeous flashes of color both gems exhibit.
So to the human eye, moissanite and amora appear equally dazzling – especially compared to less brilliant stones. Light measurement science confirms they also have near identical fire. Amora does score ever so slightly higher on refractive index, but the difference is negligible.
Color Grading Scales
The other key optical factor is perceived colorlessness. Both moissanite and amora gems come in colorless to near-colorless varieties like white diamonds. Using professional diamond color grading methods, their color ranks as:
- Colorless: D, E, F
- Near colorless: G, H, I, J
According to sellers, top grade amora falls into the completely colorless D-F range for ultimate diamond mimicry. Reports place moissanite more in the G-J near colorless area. This suggests amora may exhibit marginally better perceptual clarity to a keen eye. But moissanite still outraces other diamond alternatives here like CZ (cubic zirconia).
For nearly all consumers though, both moissanite and amora will appear satisfyingly icy white or faintly tinted from normal viewing distance. Side by side, visual differences fade. And precision cutting affects perceived color too.
So while color light measurement technology can separate them, don‘t let slightly lower scores for moissanite overly concern you. Its exceptional sparkle won’t disappoint!
Durability Compared
I always emphasize gemstone durability whenever advising on jewelry. You want stones that maintain safety and structural beauty through years of wear. By hardness and toughness metrics, both moissanite and amora rate strong.
Hardness
The standard Mohs scale ranks mineral hardness from 1 (soft) to 10 (hardest).
- Moissanite: 9.25
- Amora: 9.5
With ratings nearing diamond‘s perfect 10 hardness, both gems demonstrate excellent durability. They‘re harder than popular jewelry choices like sapphire and ruby. In real world performance for jewelry use, a tiny Mohs difference between 9.25 and 9.5 proves mostly academic. Either stone withstands everyday wear and tear exceptionally well.
Toughness
Beyond harness that resists scratching, gemstone toughness indicates structural integrity against chipping/cracking.
- Moissanite: Excellent toughness
- Amora: No published toughness ratings
Moissanite‘s dense crystal structure gives it renown resiliency. Amora lacks enough industry testing data for comparison. But silicon carbide gems tend to show great toughness generally.
Overall, both moissanite and amora rate as highly durable gems able to take a beating in jewelry. And with proper protective settings, they could even pass down for generations.
Ethical Sourcing
I also advise jewelry shoppers to consider responsible gem sourcing. Many mined diamonds and gemstones come with ethical concerns over environmental damage and suspect labor practices. The eco-friendly production of both moissanite and amora put them a cut above:
Moissanite
- Extracted silicon and carbon elements pose no ecological harm
- Controlled lab manufacturing consumes minimal resources
- Decades of reputable moissanite producer track records
Amora
- Lab-created proprietary silicon carbide crystals
- No verifiable space materials as claimed
- Much shorter manufacturer history to date
As cleanly made gemstones, moissanite and amora avoid the sustainability issues plaguing conventional mining. Their factories generate little waste while creating stunning crystals.
However, moissanite enjoys a far longer production history accounting for its reputability and consistent quality. Amora remains a newer offering with its makers closely guarding their process as a trade secret. Both rate as ethical sources – but moissanite pulls ahead slightly in manufacturer transparency and reliability.
Price & Value Comparison
I realize cost also weighs heavily in jewelry decisions. Here again, moissanite and amora shine brighter together than diamonds for value received:
Diamonds: At retail, a 1 carat VS2/G diamond runs $4,250+.
Moissanite: A 1 carat near-colorless moissanite averages around $600 depending on cut quality – over 85% cheaper than an equivalent diamond!
Amora: Price data is still emerging, but seems to run under $1000 for a 1 carat stone – still 75%+ discounted to diamond.
As you can see, both moissanite and amora gems provide massive savings as stunning diamond alternative centerpieces for jewelry. Amora costs a bit more than moissanite, but still saves substantially off diamond rates.
For the best value, I recommend G-H moissanite gems in modern round or square brilliant cuts. But both the cybersecurity guru and privacy lover in me approve of amora too!
Availability & Shopping Tips
The last area where moissanite currently claims an advantage is global availability and jeweler adoption:
- Moissanite stones have sold for 20+ years now through numerous retailers online. Charles & Colvard remains a prime source.
- Amora just arrived in 2013. So the supply chain is much smaller presently. Check authorized sellers for limited exclusives.
No matter which gem you choose, realize not all moissanite and amora are equal in quality. Be an informed buyer:
🛍️ Verify reputable sellers upfront through reviews and certifications
💎 Select ideal gem cuts and clarity levels for your budget
🔍 Inspect stones in person pre-purchase when possible
📑 Review return, exchange, warranty and appraisal policies
Are you shopping for an engagement ring or jewelry? As you weigh moissanite vs amora gems, let these expert tips guide you towards spectacular pieces guaranteed to dazzle!
Moissanite vs Amora: My Final Verdict
So in the battle between moissanite vs amora, is there a clear winner? In my professional opinion as an industry insider:
👉 Moissanite takes the prize for better availability, verified history and value. It remains the standard bearer for affordable lab-grown diamond options after decades of technical innovation and mass adoption.
That said…
👉 Amora brings a bold new mystery-shrouded competitor boasting upgraded optics to the playing field. As production expands, it could convert more diamond devotee hearts.
Honestly, you‘ll glow fabulously with either futuristic gemstone over diamonds and other choices. Both moissanite and amora rate strong across the board – from sparkle to price to ethics. Which you pick comes down to personal preferences and styling.
Let your unique beauty shine through like the stellar gems lighting your way! 💖✨
I hope this complete 3500+ word guide comparing every facet of moissanite vs amora aids your gemstone jewelry quest. Please comment any other questions – I‘m happy to help further!