Cubic zirconia and diamond are two of the most popular gemstones in the world. They both have stunning sparkle, brilliance, and durability, but they also have some significant differences. In this article, we will compare and contrast cubic zirconia(CZ) and diamond, and help you decide which gem is right for you.
We will cover the following topics:
- What is CZ and how is it made?
- What is diamond and how is it formed?
- How do CZ and diamond differ in appearance, quality, and value?
- How to tell the difference between CZ and diamond?
- What are the pros and cons of CZ and diamond engagement rings?
- How to care for CZ and diamond jewelry?
By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of the characteristics, benefits, and drawbacks of zirconia and diamond, and you will be able to make an informed choice for your next purchase.
What is cubic zirconia(CZ) and how is it made?
Cubic zirconia, or CZ, is a synthetic gemstone that is made from zirconium dioxide, a form of zirconium that has a cubic crystalline structure. It is not a natural mineral, but a man-made product that is created in laboratories using high temperature and pressure.
Cubic zirconia was first discovered in 1892 by a German mineralogist, but it was not until the 1970s that scientists perfected the technique of producing large, flawless, and colorless zirconia crystals. Since then, it has become a popular diamond simulant, as it can mimic the appearance and properties of natural diamonds at a fraction of the cost.
Cubic zirconia can also be made in various colors, shapes, and sizes, by adding different metal oxides or dopants to the zirconium dioxide. Some of the most common colors of zirconia are white, pink, yellow, blue, green, and purple. It can also be cut into any shape that is possible for diamonds, such as round, princess, oval, pear, marquise, emerald, cushion, and heart.
What is diamond and how is it formed?
Diamond is a natural gemstone that is made from pure carbon atoms that are arranged in a tetragonal crystalline structure. Diamond is the hardest natural substance on earth, with a rating of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale. Diamond is also the rarest and most valuable of all gemstones, as it takes millions of years and extreme pressure and heat to form in the earth’s mantle.
Diamonds are not only used in jewelry, but also in various industrial and scientific applications, such as cutting tools, abrasives, lasers, and electronics. Diamonds are also known for their exceptional optical properties, such as high refractive index, dispersion, and luster, which give them unparalleled sparkle and fire.
Diamonds are usually colorless, but they can also have various hues depending on the presence of impurities or defects in the crystal structure. Some of the most sought-after colors of diamonds are pink, blue, yellow, and red. Diamonds can also be cut into different shapes, such as round, princess, oval, pear, marquise, emerald, cushion, and heart.
How do cubic zirconia and diamond differ in appearance, quality, and value?
Cubic zirconia and diamond may look similar to the untrained eye, but they have some noticeable differences in their appearance, quality, and value. Here are some of the main points of comparison between the two gemstones:
- Appearance: CZ and diamond both have high clarity, meaning they are free of visible flaws or inclusions. However, CZ is usually more flawless than diamond, as natural diamonds often have some imperfections. CZ and diamond also have different color grades, as CZ is usually colorless or near-colorless, while diamond can have various shades of yellow or brown. CZ and diamond also have different levels of sparkle and fire, as CZ has a higher refractive index and dispersion than diamond, which means it reflects more light and produces more rainbow colors. However, this also makes cubic CZ look more artificial and less natural than diamond, as diamonds give off white light with subtle flashes of color.
- Quality: Cubic zirconia and diamond have different physical and chemical properties, which affect their quality and durability. Cubic zirconia is softer than diamond, with a rating of 8.5 on the Mohs hardness scale, which means it can scratch more easily than diamond. Cubic zirconia is also more brittle than diamond, which means it can chip or crack more easily than diamond. Cubic zirconia is also more susceptible to heat and chemical damage than diamond, which means it can lose its color or clarity over time. Cubic zirconia is also heavier than diamond, as it has a higher density and specific gravity than diamond, which means it weighs more than a diamond of the same size.
- Value: CZ and diamond have different market values, as CZ is much cheaper than diamond, due to its abundant supply and synthetic origin. CZ can cost as little as a few dollars per carat, while diamond can cost thousands of dollars per carat, depending on the quality and rarity of the stone. CZ also has little or no resale value, as it is widely available and has no intrinsic value. Diamond, on the other hand, has a high resale value, as it is scarce and has a high demand.
How to tell the difference between cubic zirconia and diamond?
Cubic zirconia and diamond can be difficult to tell apart by the naked eye, especially if they are well-cut and well-set. However, there are some ways to distinguish between the two gemstones, such as:
- Magnification: One of the easiest ways to tell the difference between CZ and diamond is to use a magnifying glass or a jeweler’s loupe to examine the stone closely. Cubic zirconia will usually have no flaws or inclusions, while diamond will often have some natural imperfections. Cubic zirconia will also have a round edge, while diamond will have a sharp edge. Cubic zirconia will also have a smooth bottom, while diamond will have a culet, which is a small point at the bottom of the stone.
- Light test: Another way to tell the difference between cubic zirconia and diamond is to use a light source to observe the stone’s sparkle and fire. Cubic zirconia will usually have more sparkle and fire than diamond, as it reflects more light and produces more rainbow colors. However, this also makes cubic zirconia look more artificial and less natural than diamond, as diamonds give off white light with subtle flashes of color. Cubic zirconia will also have a more uniform sparkle and fire, while diamond will have a more varied and irregular sparkle and fire.
- Fog test: Another way to tell the difference between cubic zirconia and diamond is to use your breath to create a fog on the stone’s surface. Cubic zirconia will usually retain the fog for a few seconds, while diamond will clear up almost instantly. This is because cubic zirconia has a lower thermal conductivity than diamond, which means it takes longer to dissipate the heat from your breath.
- Weight test: Another way to tell the difference between CZ and diamond is to use a scale to measure the stone’s weight. Cubic zirconia will usually weigh more than diamond, as it has a higher density and specific gravity than diamond. For example, a one-carat Zirconia will weigh about 1.7 times more than a one-carat diamond.
- Professional test: The most reliable way to tell the difference between CZ and diamond is to consult a professional jeweler or gemologist, who can use specialized equipment and techniques to test the stone’s properties and characteristics. Some of the common tests that professionals use are:
- Refractometer test: This test measures the stone’s refractive index, which is the ratio of the speed of light in a vacuum to the speed of light in the stone. Zirconia has a higher refractive index than diamond, which means it bends light more than diamond. A refractometer can detect this difference and display the stone’s refractive index on a scale.
- Polariscope test: This test measures the stone’s optical character, which is the way the stone interacts with polarized light. Zirconia is isotropic, which means it has the same optical properties in all directions. Diamond is anisotropic, which means it has different optical properties in different directions. A polariscope can detect this difference and display the stone’s optical character as either isotropic or anisotropic.
- Thermal conductivity test: This test measures the stone’s thermal conductivity, which is the rate at which the stone transfers heat. Zirconia has a lower thermal conductivity than diamond, which means it takes longer to dissipate heat. A thermal conductivity tester can detect this difference and display the stone’s thermal conductivity as either low or high.
For more information about tech, You can visit our website homepage
