What Is Refractive Index?
The one number that helps explain why some stones sparkle harder than others.
Refractive index sounds technical, but the idea is simple — and it is a big reason moissanite is so brilliant. Here is a plain-language explanation of what it means for sparkle.
The simple idea
Refractive index (RI) measures how much a material bends and slows light passing through it. A higher RI bends light more strongly, which helps trap and return light inside the stone — producing more brilliance.
Why it affects sparkle
The more a stone bends light, the more chances that light has to bounce off the facets and shoot back to your eye instead of leaking out. Combined with good cutting — see How Facets Create Sparkle — a high RI means a livelier stone.
RI vs dispersion
RI relates mainly to brilliance (white light), while dispersion relates to fire (colored flashes). They are different properties that both add up to sparkle — more on the colored side in What Is Dispersion (Fire)?
Where moissanite stands out
Moissanite has a high refractive index — higher than diamond — which is a key reason it sparkles so intensely. Pair that with its high dispersion and you get a stone that is both brilliant and fiery.
FAQs
What does a high refractive index mean?
It means the stone bends light strongly, helping return more light to your eye — which generally means more brilliance.
Does moissanite have a high refractive index?
Yes — higher than diamond, which is one reason it sparkles so intensely.
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