Does moissanite get cloudy?

Quick answerUpdated November 1, 2026

No. Moissanite does not cloud or yellow with age: it is , chemically inert and very hard (9.25 on the scale, GIA), and we found no gemmological source reporting that it clouds. What looks like “cloudy moissanite” is a film of skin oil, lotion and soap on the back of the stone, which dulls the sparkle as it dulls a diamond. Charles & Colvard, the original maker, says to clean it with mild soap, warm water and a soft toothbrush, and to avoid ultrasonic cleaners.

Illustration: does moissanite get cloudy? — Illustration (AI render): the same kind of stud with a film of skin oil (left) and after warm soapy water and a soft brush (right).

Why it does not cloud

Moissanite is silicon carbide, which is highly inert chemically, partly because a thin protective film of silica forms on its surface. GIA gives it a hardness of 9.25, one of the hardest gemstones available. Some coloured moissanite is coated, and a coating can wear; see is coloured moissanite coated?

What people are actually seeing

Sparkle depends on light entering the top and bouncing off the back facets. GIA says a diamond loses its brilliance when oil and dirt collect on it, and that the back of the stone tends to collect a lot of oil and dirt; a moissanite in a ring or pendant is no different. Clean it and the sparkle comes back.

How to clean it

Charles & Colvard advises mild soap and warm water: scrub gently with a soft toothbrush or cloth, rinse, and pat dry with a lint-free cloth. It also says to avoid ultrasonic cleaners, harsh chemicals and chlorine, and to take the piece off before lotion or perfume. GIA notes that an ultrasonic cleaner’s vibration can shake stones loose, so leave that kind of cleaning to a jeweller.

Can moissanite change colour?

Only briefly, with heat: moissanite changes colour temporarily when heated, starting at around 65 C, and returns as it cools. A tint that is there from the start is different. Charles & Colvard introduced its first colourless (D to F) moissanite in 2015; before that its stones were graded near-colourless (G to I) or faint colour (J and K), as National Jeweler reported.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does cubic zirconia get cloudy?

It can look dull sooner. GIA says CZ is less hard than diamond or moissanite and more prone to scratches and abrasions over time, and like any stone it looks cloudy under a film of grease until it is cleaned.

Can old moissanite look yellow?

Yes, if it was made that way. Before Charles & Colvard introduced its first colourless (D to F) moissanite in 2015, its stones were graded near-colourless (G to I) or faint colour (J and K). That tint was there from the start; it is not a change with age.

Sources

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