gemstone
Cubic Zirconia (Jewelry Setting)
Zirconium Dioxide (ZrO2)
Hardness: 8.0-8.5 Mohs. Color: Colorless/White. Luster: Adamantine. Crystal system: Cubic. High dispersion (fire) and specific gravity (5.6-6.0).
- Hardness
- 8
- Color
- Colorless/White
- Luster
- Adamantine
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Physical properties
Hardness: 8.0-8.5 Mohs. Color: Colorless/White. Luster: Adamantine. Crystal system: Cubic. High dispersion (fire) and specific gravity (5.6-6.0).
Formation & geological history
Synthetic creation in a laboratory setting using a skull crucible process to melt zirconium dioxide powder at extremely high temperatures.
Uses & applications
Used primarily in jewelry as a cost-effective diamond stimulant due to its high brilliance and durability.
Geological facts
First discovered as a natural mineral named baddeleyite in 1892, but natural cubic zirconia is extremely rare; almost all specimens sold are man-made.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its weight (heavier than diamond) and its lack of natural inclusions under a loupe. It also has much higher 'fire' or rainbow flashes than a natural diamond.
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