Cubic Zirconia is a diamond simulant which means it is a fake diamond. While it is often associated with being fake, it’s actually a real mineral. This means as a mineral, it is real but as a diamond, it is fake.
What is Cubic Zirconia?
Cubic zirconia also known as American diamond is a mineral composed of zirconium dioxide (ZrO2). It is made by melting powdered zirconium and zirconium dioxide and heating them to 4,982ºF through a process of high-pressure and high-temperature (HPHT) or chemical vapor deposition (CVD). This means it’s designed to mimic the appearance and properties of diamonds.
However, unlike diamonds, CZ is significantly less expensive and more accessible. The CZ is also inferior to the lab-made diamonds as even the lab-grown diamonds are considered as real diamonds.
The difference between natural and synthetic CZ lies in its rarity and composition. Natural CZ is extremely rare, while synthetic CZ is more common and affordable.
Why is Cubic Zirconia Used in Jewelry?
Cubic zirconia is often used in jewelry due to its similarity in appearance to diamonds. It’s also more affordable and durable to diamonds. CZ is often used in engagement rings, earrings, and other fine jewelry pieces.
The Pros and Cons of Cubic Zirconia
Pros:
- Similar appearance to diamonds
- Affordable
- Durable
Cons:
- Cannot pass a diamond test
- Can be prone to clouding or inclusions
- Not as valuable as diamonds
- May not be as rare or unique
Difference Between Cubic Zirconia (CZ) And Diamonds
Physical Differences:
- Diamonds are the hardest substance known (10 on the Mohs scale) – CZ has a hardness of 8-8.5.
- Diamonds have a density of 3.52 g/cm³ – CZ has a density of 5.6-6.0 g/cm³.
- Diamonds have a refractive index of 2.42 – CZ has a refractive index of 2.15-2.25.
- Diamonds have a dispersion of 0.044 – CZ has a dispersion of 0.058-0.066.
Visual Differences:
- Diamonds often have inclusions (internal imperfections) – CZ typically has fewer or no inclusions.
- Diamonds can occur in a range of colors – CZ is often colorless or has a faint yellow or brown tint. However, CZ is usually made colorful to mimic the various colors of diamonds.
- Diamonds have a higher brilliance due to their higher refractive index.
- Diamonds display a more intense fire (dispersion of light).
Other Differences:
Diamonds are often certified by organizations like the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) or the International Gemological Institute (IGI), while CZ may not have certification. Diamonds are significantly more expensive than CZ and are rare and naturally occurring, while CZ is synthetic and more common.
How to Tell the Difference Between CZ And Diamonds
Examine the stone under magnification:
Use a microscope to examine the stone. Diamonds have inclusions, which are internal imperfections like feathers, scratches, or black dots while CZ typically has fewer or no inclusions. Diamonds often have growth patterns like lines or grains, while CZ has a more uniform appearance.
Check the stone’s hardness:
To perform a scratch test, carefully scratch the stone with a hardness tester. If the stone scratches easily, it may be CZ. Or you can make use of a handheld hardness tester to measure the stone’s hardness. Diamond has a hardness of 10 on the Mohs scale, while CZ has a hardness of 8-8.5.
Examine the stone’s brilliance and fire:
Compare the stone’s brilliance to fire to that of a known diamond. Diamonds have a more intense fire, or dispersion of light, while CZ may have a less intense or more “washed-out” fire.
Check for certification:
Verify if the stone is certified by a reputable organization like the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) or the International Gemological Institute (IGI). Also try to verify that the certification number on the report matches the number on the stone’s documentation or packaging.
Consult a professional:
If you’re still unsure, consult a professional gemologist or jeweler. A professional can examine the stone using specialized equipment and techniques to determine its authenticity.
Conclusion
In conclusion, cubic zirconia is not entirely fake, but its synthetic counterpart is often used in jewelry. By understanding the differences between natural and synthetic CZ, you can avoid getting sold a fake as the real one while also making an informed decision when choosing a piece of jewelry.
See similar review – Is S925 Ring Real Or Fake?
Samantha