---
title: "Electrical conductivity tester: meaning in gemology"
description: "An electrical conductivity tester checks whether a stone conducts electricity. Many moissanites conduct, and most near-colorless diamonds do not."
url: https://digitalgemology.com/learn/glossary/electrical-conductivity-tester
image: https://digitalgemology.com/img/og-digital-gemology.png?v=d224fb01
---

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[Glossary](https://digitalgemology.com/learn/glossary) · Gem testing

# Electrical conductivity tester

Also called moissanite tester, electrical tester

An electrical conductivity tester checks whether a stone conducts electricity. Many moissanites conduct, and most near-colorless diamonds do not.

## In more detail

In GIA's 1997 study, 13 of 23 moissanites conducted. Some gray and blue diamonds conduct too: type IIb diamonds, colored by boron. So a “moissanite” reading on a blue or gray stone needs a laboratory. Combined testers pair a thermal reading with a second test.

## Related terms

- [Thermal diamond tester](https://digitalgemology.com/learn/glossary/thermal-diamond-tester): A thermal diamond tester measures how fast a stone draws heat from a hot tip. Diamond conducts heat very well, so it reads “diamond”.
- [Screening device](https://digitalgemology.com/learn/glossary/screening-device): A screening device separates natural diamonds from laboratory-grown diamonds and simulants. Most answer Pass (natural) or Refer (send to a laboratory).

## Learn more

- [Diamond testers and moissanite: what the instruments say](https://digitalgemology.com/learn/diamond-vs-moissanite/diamond-tester-and-moissanite)

[All 328 terms](https://digitalgemology.com/learn/glossary)