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; Cleavage: Octahedral; Specific Gravity: 3.52 (Diamond) or 5.6-6.0 (CZ)
- 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; Cleavage: Octahedral; Specific Gravity: 3.52 (Diamond) or 5.6-6.0 (CZ)
Formation & geological history
Natural diamonds form deep within the Earth's mantle under intense heat and pressure over billions of years. Cubic Zirconia is a synthetic crystalline material produced in labs since the 1970s.
Uses & applications
Primary use is in high-end jewelry (rings, earrings) or industrial applications like cutting and grinding (for industrial-grade diamonds).
Geological facts
A natural diamond is the hardest known natural mineral. Cubic Zirconia was developed to serve as a high-quality, low-cost optical diamond simulant.
Field identification & locations
Identify by testing thermal conductivity or using a loupe to check for sharpness of facet edges (CZ edges are often more rounded) and looking for inclusions (diamonds are rarely perfect).
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