Edited sentence: 0.044); this means the 'fire' of moissanite is viewed as excessive by some (yet more beautiful by others).Anisotropy  Unlike isometric diamond and cubic zirconia, the polytype of moissanite presently synthesized is hexagonal: being doubly refractive, the stones are easily detected with a polariscope or even by eye, the strong birefringence being seen as a doubling of the stone's back facets.Colour  To date all moissanites have been plagued by a muddy tinge, usually green or gray.Cost  Due to its relatively expensive manufacturing process, and because C3, Inc.Despite its mechanical superiority, there are several factors preventing moissanite from dethroning cubic zirconia as queen of diamond simulants:.Dispersion  Moissanite has a dispersive power nearly 2.5 times greater than diamond (0.104 vs.Even very large cubic zirconium gems rarely exceed $100 in cost, whereas large moissanite gems cost many thousands of dollars.For example, a 1 carat moissanite stone costs about $600 (2005 USD), while a 1 carat cubic zirconium stone can sell for under $10.However, it should be noted at least two fancy varieties of moissanite have been produced: a blue not unlike natural blue diamonds, and a rich green somewhat resembling tsavorite.Lacking the brilliant whiteness of cubic zirconia, most moissanites would grade within the I-K colour range of diamond.Moissanite is usually cut with its optic axis perpendicular to the table of the stone in order to minimize this "drunk vision" effect, but even a slight tilt will betray the stone's true nature.is its only supplier as of 2005, moissanite is much more expensive than cubic zirconia (though it remains substantially cheaper than diamond)