gemstone
Cubic Zirconia (simulant) or Diamond
ZrO2 (Cubic Zirconia) or C (Diamond)
Clear, faceted, high dispersion and brilliance. If CZ, Mohs hardness 8-8.5; if Diamond, Mohs 10.
Identified More gemstone →
Explore Cubic Zirconia (simulant) or Diamond in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Clear, faceted, high dispersion and brilliance. If CZ, Mohs hardness 8-8.5; if Diamond, Mohs 10.
Formation & geological history
If CZ, synthetic. If Diamond, formed under high pressure and temperature in the Earth's mantle.
Uses & applications
Used in jewelry as a gemstone.
Geological facts
CZ is the most common diamond simulant due to its low cost and high visual similarity to diamond.
Field identification & locations
Identify by measuring thermal conductivity or using a jeweler's loupe to inspect for inclusions (diamonds often have them, CZ is usually flawless).
More like this
Other gemstone specimens
Ammolite
Ammolite (Biogenic Aragonite with trace elements; fossils of Placenticeras meeki and Placenticeras intercalare)
mineral
Cubic Zirconia (or possibly Diamond)
Zirconium dioxide (or Carbon)
gemstone
Red Jasper
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with Hematite inclusions
sedimentary
Faceted Gemstone
Unknown transparent mineral, possibly Diamond (C), Cubic Zirconia (ZrO2), Quartz (SiO2), or Glass
gemstone
Milky Quartz
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)
mineral
Amber
Succinite (Organic Gemstone)
mineral