Is Cubic Zirconia same as Diamond?
Cubic Zirconia Jewelry Guide
Cubic zirconia, also known as CZ, is a mineral that
is commonly used as a substitute for diamond after being synthesized. This mineral is chemically composed of zirconium dioxide (ZrO2) and is hard and colorless in its original form. Since it is inexpensive, durable and similar in appearance to diamond, it is a best fit for imitation diamond jewelry and has been used as such since 1976.While cubic zirconia is being synthesized, a metal oxide stabilizer (like calcium oxide) is mixed into it to give it a cubic crystal form. It is up to manufacturers which stabilizer they use and in what quantity; this is what accounts for the difference in the optical and physical characteristics of synthesized cubic zirconia jewelry articles. Moreover, with hardness of around 8.5 on the Mohs scale, this replication of diamond is harder as compared to many natural gemstones. In addition, cubic zirconia jewelry is heavier as compared to diamond jewelry. It can’t be said for sure if a layman can differentiate between a diamond ring and a CZ ring. However, there is no doubt that cubic zirconia can be easily recognized in labs. The table below shows key features of diamond as well as cubic zirconia.
|
Cubic Zirconia Vs. Diamond Comparison Chart | ||
|
Characteristic |
Cubic Zirconia Jewelry |
Diamond Jewelry |
|
Mohs Scale (Hardness) |
8.5 |
10 |
|
Index of Refraction |
2.17 |
2.42 |
|
Specific Gravity |
5.80 |
3.52 |
|
Dispersion |
0.066 |
0.044 |
As competition has increased amongst manufacturers of this substance, they are now trying to give their cubic zirconia a distinguished look. One effective method of adding uniqueness to this imitation jewelry is to coat the end product in a layer of diamond-like carbon or amorphous diamond. This is what gives
