gemstone

Cubic Zirconia (Faceted Gemstone)

Zirconium dioxide (ZrO2)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness: 8.0-8.5 Mohs. Color: Clear/colorless. Luster: Adamantine. Crystal Structure: Cubic. Specific Gravity: 5.6-6.0. High dispersion (fire).

Hardness: 8
Color: Clear/colorless
Luster: Adamantine

Identified July 6, 2026More gemstone →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 8.0-8.5 Mohs. Color: Clear/colorless. Luster: Adamantine. Crystal Structure: Cubic. Specific Gravity: 5.6-6.0. High dispersion (fire).

Formation & geological history

Synthetically grown in laboratories using the skull melting process to stabilize zirconium dioxide into a cubic crystalline form. While monoclinic baddeleyite occurs naturally, cubic crystals are almost exclusively lab-grown.

Uses & applications

Primary use is as a diamond stimulant in jewelry (rings, earrings, necklaces) due to its similar optical properties at a lower cost. Used in some industrial wear-resistant applications.

Geological facts

Cubic zirconia was first synthesized in 1970 by Soviet scientists at the Lebedev Physical Institute in Moscow. It is much heavier than a diamond of the same size.

Field identification & locations

Identified by its high dispersion (rainbow flashes) and lack of natural inclusions. In the field, look for more rounded facet edges compared to diamond and a high specific gravity.