mineral

Cubic Zirconia (CZ) in Gold-Plated Setting

Cubic Zirconium Dioxide (ZrO2)

Hardness: 8.0-8.5 Mohs scale; Color: Colorless (clear); Luster: Adamantine; Crystal structure: Cubic; Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 5.6-6.0

Hardness: 8
Color: Colorless (clear)
Luster: Adamantine

Identified March 13, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 8.0-8.5 Mohs scale; Color: Colorless (clear); Luster: Adamantine; Crystal structure: Cubic; Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 5.6-6.0

Formation & geological history

Synthesized in a laboratory environment using the skull-melt method, where powdered zirconium dioxide and yttrium oxide (stabilizer) are heated by radiofrequency induction to over 2700°C.

Uses & applications

Used primarily in the jewelry industry as a diamond simulant, as well as in industrial applications for high-temperature crucibles and optical lenses.

Geological facts

Cubic Zirconia was first synthesized in 1970 by Soviet scientists at the Lebedev Physical Institute in Moscow. It is significantly denser than diamond, meaning a CZ of the same size as a diamond will weigh about 1.7 times more.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by checking for excessive 'fire' or rainbow flashes (more than diamond) and inspecting for rounded edges on facets, which appear over time due to lower hardness compared to diamond. Commonly found in fashion jewelry retail globally.

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