gemstone
Diamond (or Cubic Zirconia)
Carbon (C) or Zirconium Dioxide (ZrO2)
Hardness: 10 (Diamond) or 8-8.5 (CZ); Color: Colorless; Luster: Adamantine; Crystal Structure: Isometric; Dispersion: Very High.
- 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: Isometric; Dispersion: Very High.
Formation & geological history
Diamonds form in the Earth's mantle under intense heat and pressure over billions of years; CZ is synthesized in laboratories using the skull melt process.
Uses & applications
Fine jewelry, industrial abrasives (if diamond), or affordable costume jewelry (if CZ).
Geological facts
Diamond is the hardest natural substance known on Earth. One stone is missing from this pendant, a common occurrence in prong-set fashion jewelry.
Field identification & locations
Identification requires professional tools like a thermal conductivity probe or weighing for specific gravity; the setting appears to be costume jewelry made of gold-plated base metal.
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