Cubic zirconia is a synthetic material created in laboratories, serving as a popular alternative to natural gemstones, particularly diamonds, due to its visual similarities.
Understanding Cubic Zirconia
Cubic zirconia (CZ) is the cubic crystalline form of zirconium dioxide (ZrO₂), a material entirely man-made and not found in nature in its gem-quality form. While zirconium dioxide exists naturally as the rare mineral baddeleyite, it does not occur in the cubic crystal structure characteristic of gem-quality CZ.
The creation of cubic zirconia involves a high-temperature process in a controlled laboratory environment. Manufacturers melt zirconium oxide powder with stabilizing agents at extremely high temperatures. As the mixture cools, crystals form, which are then cut and polished to produce the clear, hard material used in jewelry.
Distinguishing Cubic Zirconia from Natural Gemstones
Cubic zirconia is frequently used as a diamond simulant due to its visual resemblance, but distinct physical and optical properties differentiate it from natural gemstones like diamonds. One key difference lies in hardness: diamonds are the hardest known natural substance, scoring a 10 on the Mohs scale, while cubic zirconia rates between 8 and 8.5. This difference means CZ is more susceptible to scratching and can lose its luster over time, unlike diamonds which maintain their brilliance.
Density also serves as a distinguishing factor; cubic zirconia is considerably denser than diamond, weighing approximately 1.7 times more for the same size. A one-carat CZ stone will appear the same size as a one-carat diamond but will weigh more.
Furthermore, their interaction with light differs: diamonds have a higher refractive index (2.42) compared to cubic zirconia (2.15-2.18), meaning diamonds reflect white light more intensely, contributing to their brilliance. Cubic zirconia, however, often exhibits a higher dispersion, producing a more pronounced “rainbow effect” or “fire” than diamonds.
Another significant distinction is thermal conductivity. Diamonds are excellent thermal conductors, a property often used by gemologists to identify them, whereas cubic zirconia acts as a thermal insulator. This difference allows for easy identification using thermal testing devices.
Finally, the cost difference is substantial; a one-carat cubic zirconia can cost a few dollars, while a similar-sized diamond can range from thousands to tens of thousands of dollars.
Sources of Misconception
Public confusion regarding cubic zirconia’s origin often stems from its remarkable visual resemblance to natural diamonds, making distinction challenging for the untrained eye. Marketing practices also contribute to this misunderstanding by highlighting CZ’s diamond-like qualities without explicitly emphasizing its synthetic nature. A general lack of consumer education on gemstone origins further perpetuates misconceptions. Many consumers are unaware of the specific processes involved in creating synthetic materials, leading some to mistakenly believe it is a natural stone.