mineral

Cubic Zirconia

Zirconium dioxide (ZrO2)

Hardness: 8-8.5 on Mohs scale, Color: Colorless (can be doped with other elements to produce colors), Luster: Adamantine, Crystal structure: Cubic, Cleavage: None, Specific gravity: 5.6-6.0

Hardness: 8-8

Identified April 27, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 8-8.5 on Mohs scale, Color: Colorless (can be doped with other elements to produce colors), Luster: Adamantine, Crystal structure: Cubic, Cleavage: None, Specific gravity: 5.6-6.0

Formation & geological history

Synthetic material, created in a laboratory through a process called skull melting.

Uses & applications

Primarily used as a diamond simulant in jewelry due to its similar appearance and much lower cost.

Geological facts

Cubic zirconia is the crystallo-graphic isometric form of zirconium dioxide. It is a dense substance with an adamantine luster and is relatively hard, 8–8.5 on the Mohs scale, slightly harder than most natural semi-precious gems.

Field identification & locations

Can be identified by its high dispersion (fire), lack of inclusions (which are common in natural diamonds), and lower thermal conductivity compared to diamonds.