mineral

Cubic Zirconia (Faceted)

Zirconium Dioxide (ZrO2)

Hardness: 8–8.5 Mohs scale; Color: Colorless (white); Luster: Adamantine; Crystal Structure: Cubic; Specific Gravity: 5.6–6.0; Dispersion: Very high (0.058–0.066)

Hardness: 8–8
Color: Colorless (white)
Luster: Adamantine

Identified July 6, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 8–8.5 Mohs scale; Color: Colorless (white); Luster: Adamantine; Crystal Structure: Cubic; Specific Gravity: 5.6–6.0; Dispersion: Very high (0.058–0.066)

Formation & geological history

Synthetically produced in labs using the skull melting process, though its natural rare counterpart, baddeleyite, forms in pegmatites and carbonatites. Commercial cubic zirconia was first produced in the 1970s.

Uses & applications

Primary use is as a diamond stimulant in jewelry (rings, earrings, necklaces); also used as a thermal insulator and in optical components.

Geological facts

Cubic zirconia is significantly heavier than diamond (about 1.7 times the density) and lacks the natural inclusions found in real carbon-based diamonds. It is also an excellent thermal insulator, which is the opposite of diamond.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its weight (denser than diamond) and its lack of natural flaws. In professional settings, a thermal conductivity tester is used to differentiate it from diamond. Commonly sold in retail jewelry stores.