mineral

Cubic Zirconia (in Jewelry)

Zirconium Dioxide (ZrO2)

Hardness: 8.0–8.5 Mohs scale; Color: Colorless (in this specimen); Luster: Adamantine; Crystal Structure: Cubic; Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 5.6–6.0.

Hardness: 8
Color: Colorless (in this specimen)
Luster: Adamantine

Identified April 23, 2026More mineral →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Hardness: 8.0–8.5 Mohs scale; Color: Colorless (in this specimen); Luster: Adamantine; Crystal Structure: Cubic; Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 5.6–6.0.

Formation & geological history

Primary cubic zirconia is synthesized in laboratories using the 'skull melt' process where zirconium oxide powder is heated by radio-frequency induction. Natural baddeleyite exists but is extremely rare and rarely cubic.

Uses & applications

Predominantly used as a low-cost diamond simulant in jewelry, as well as in industrial laser components and high-temperature ceramics.

Geological facts

Cubic zirconia was first discovered as a natural mineral in 1937 but wasn't successfully synthesized for the jewelry market until the 1970s by Soviet scientists.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its high dispersion (rainbow flashes) which is stronger than a diamond's, and its weight; a CZ will feel much heavier than a same-sized diamond due to higher density.

Other mineral specimens

See all

Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)

Arenite (SiO2 based)

sedimentary

Schist

Metamorphic

Epidote

Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)

metamorphic

Nephrite Jade

Nephrite

Mineral/Rock

Banded Gneiss (River Rock/Pebble)

Gneiss (specifically a banded variety often found as a river rock)

Metamorphic Rock

Green Apatite on Albite

Fluorapatite [Ca5(PO4)3F] on Albite [Na(AlSi3O8)]

mineral