Cubic Zirconia FAQ
Cubic zirconia, short for CZ, is an inexpensive diamond alternative with many qualities as a diamond.
CZ is a compound of zirconium dioxide. It’s the cubic crystalline form of zirconium dioxide. This crystalline material (or ZrO2) is synthetic, which means it is created in a laboratory.
The synthesized CZ material is hard and usually colorless but may be made in different colors. Because of its durability and close visual likeness to diamond, synthetic cubic zirconia has remained the most significant diamond competitor since commercial production began in 1976.
Answer: Yes, it is. It is an artificial mineral made of zirconium dioxide. CZ can appear to be very like diamonds, but they have very different mineral structures. Cubic zircons have been found in nature in small amounts. But the vast majority used in the jewelry are manufactured in a lab.
Cubic zirconia is made by melting zirconium oxide powder with stabilizers like magnesium and calcium. After being removed from hours of heat, crystals form and stabilize. The crystals are then cut and polished.
Cubic zirconia is a genuine gemstone, but it is not a natural diamond. A few types of stones are used as diamond simulants. But cubic zirconia is by far the most common and the most realistic.
An excellent way to clean cubic zirconia is to use a small soft brush and hot soapy water to remove dirt. Rinse it in warm water and pat dry with a clean cloth. That will restore the cubic zirconia stone to its natural shine and clarity.
The Mohs scale is a scientific measurement of mineral hardness. Glass is rated a 5.5, and cubic zirconia is 8.5. So CZ stone will scratch glass. But this test is not a definitive way to determine whether a diamond is real or not.
There are several ways to tell cubic zirconia from diamond. Ultimately the only way to know for sure is to take your cubic zirconia & diamond to a jeweler or gemologist who will be able to test them with equipment. The following tests can help the layman tell a cubic zirconia from a diamond.
The weight test: If the stone is loose and can be weighed, it is easy to determine if it is a CZ as it will be 1.7 times heavier than a diamond of the exact dimensions. For example, a round diamond 6.5 mm will weigh approximately 1.00 carat. But CZ this size will weigh about 1.70 carats.
The fog test: If you breathe on the stones like you fog a mirror, a CZ will stay foggy for several seconds while the fog from a diamond will immediately dissipate. This is because diamonds have much better thermal conductivity.
The newsprint test: lay the stone upside down on a page of the newspaper or a magazine. Due to the high refractivity of diamonds, you will not be able to see the letters. If you can see parts of the print, it is probably cubic zirconia.
Cubic zirconia is much cheaper than a mined diamond. For example, a flawless/FL 1 carat round diamond graded D costs around $20,000. In contrast, a 1 carat cubic zirconia is only worth $10. As the carat size increases, the cost difference between cubic zirconia and diamond grows even more extensive.
As long as you clean and care for your cubic zirconia jewelry, cubic zirconia can last two to three years with everyday wear. With occasional wear, cubic zirconia can last up to five years. Over time, it usually gets scratched and becomes cloudy.
The main differences between Cubic Zirconia and diamond
1. Diamonds are made of carbon which leads to their brilliance and hardness, whereas Cubic Zirconia is made of zirconium dioxide.
2 Diamond(Mohs Scale of hardness is 10) is the most hardest stone known to humans. In contrast, cubic zirconia(Mohs Scale of hardness is 8.5) has a much lower hardness rating.
3. A diamond and a cubic zirconia in the same size, cubic zirconia weigh heavier.
4. Diamond is easier to clean and maintain and lasts forever.
5. Cubic zirconia is much cheaper than Diamond.
6. Diamond has more fire brilliance than cubic zirconia.
There are five grades used to describe the quality of cubic zirconia:
AAAAA (the highest quality), AAAA, AAA, AA and A(the lowest quality).
The best cubic zirconia is a perfect cut and high sparkly.
The lowest quality CZ stones have dull brilliance and bad cutting.
Most cubic zirconia sold today is rated at least AAA quality stones.
The crushed-ice cut cubic zirconia is the best of the best.
