mineral

Cubic Zirconia (CZ)

Zirconium dioxide (ZrO2)

Hardness: 8-8.5 Mohs scale; Color: Colorless (pure), but can be dyed many colors as seen in the jewelry (yellow, purple, red, pink); Luster: Adamantine (diamond-like); Crystal Structure: Cubic; Specific Gravity: 5.6-6.0

Hardness: 8-8
Luster: Adamantine (diamond-like)

Identified May 3, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

While naturally occurring as the rare mineral Baddeleyite, jewelry-grade Cubic Zirconia is a synthetic gemstone created in laboratories via the skull melting process. It was popularized for jewelry in the late 1970s.

Uses & applications

Widely used as a diamond simulant in jewelry (rings, bracelets, necklaces) and for industrial purposes like high-temperature coatings or precision cutting tools.

Geological facts

Cubic zirconia is significantly heavier than diamond of the same size; it has a higher dispersion (fire), which causes it to flash more prismatic spectral colors than a natural diamond.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its lack of natural inclusions, high weight relative to size, and excessive sparkle. In the field/household, it will often scratch glass but can be distinguished from diamond using a thermal conductivity tester.