gemstone
Diamond (or Cubic Zirconia simulant)
C (Carbon) or ZrO2 (Zirconium Dioxide)
Hardness: 10 (Diamond) or 8-8.5 (CZ); Color: Colorless; Luster: Adamantine; Crystal structure: Cubic; Brilliance: High dispersion.
- Hardness
- 10 (Diamond) or 8-8
- Color
- Colorless
- Luster
- Adamantine
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Physical properties
Hardness: 10 (Diamond) or 8-8.5 (CZ); Color: Colorless; Luster: Adamantine; Crystal structure: Cubic; Brilliance: High dispersion.
Formation & geological history
Natural diamonds form deep within the Earth's mantle under extreme pressure and temperature. Cubic Zirconia is a synthetic gemstone created in a laboratory using the 'cold crucible' method.
Uses & applications
Primary use in fine jewelry and fashion accessories. Industrial grade diamonds are used for cutting and drilling.
Geological facts
Diamond is the hardest natural substance known on Earth. Cubic zirconia is the most popular diamond simulant and was first mass-produced in scientific labs in the 1970s.
Field identification & locations
Identify by testing for heat conductivity (diamonds are highly conductive, CZ is not). In the field, diamonds can scratch any other mineral, whereas CZ will not scratch sapphire or ruby.
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Cubic Zirconia (simulant) or Diamond
ZrO2 (Cubic Zirconia) or C (Diamond)
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Ammolite
Ammolite (Biogenic Aragonite with trace elements; fossils of Placenticeras meeki and Placenticeras intercalare)
mineral
Red Jasper
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with Hematite inclusions
sedimentary
Cubic Zirconia (or possibly Diamond)
Zirconium dioxide (or Carbon)
gemstone
Faceted Gemstone
Unknown transparent mineral, possibly Diamond (C), Cubic Zirconia (ZrO2), Quartz (SiO2), or Glass
gemstone