gemstone
Cubic Zirconia (Faceted Gemstone)
Zirconium dioxide (ZrO2)
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 More gemstone →
Explore Cubic Zirconia (Faceted Gemstone) in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
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.
More like this
Other gemstone specimens
Ammolite
Ammolite (Biogenic Aragonite with trace elements; fossils of Placenticeras meeki and Placenticeras intercalare)
mineral
Emerald
Beryl (Be₃Al₂Si₆Oထ₈) with Chromium/Vanadium impurities
gemstone
Amber
Succinite (Organic Gemstone)
mineral
Citrine
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with iron impurities
mineral
Tiger's Eye
Pseudomorph of Quartz after Crocidolite (SiO2 with iron oxide inclusions)
mineral
Amber
Succinrite (Organic Gemstone)
mineraloid