mineral

Cubic Zirconia

Zirconium Dioxide (ZrO2)

Hardness: 8.0-8.5 Mohs scale; Color: Colorless (common) but can be synthesized in many colors; Luster: Adamantine; Crystal system: Cubic; Specific gravity: 5.6-6.0; Dispersion: 0.058-0.066.

Hardness: 8
Color: Colorless (common) but can be synthesized in many colors
Luster: Adamantine

Identified June 23, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 8.0-8.5 Mohs scale; Color: Colorless (common) but can be synthesized in many colors; Luster: Adamantine; Crystal system: Cubic; Specific gravity: 5.6-6.0; Dispersion: 0.058-0.066.

Formation & geological history

While naturally occurring as the rare mineral Baddeleyite (monoclinic), jewelry-grade cubic zirconia is a synthetic material produced in laboratories using the skull melting process. It was first successfully grown in 1970 at the Lebedev Physical Institute in Moscow.

Uses & applications

Primarily used as a low-cost diamond stimulant in jewelry (earrings, rings, bracelets). Also used in industrial applications requiring high thermal stability and chemical resistance.

Geological facts

Cubic Zirconia is nearly 1.7 times heavier than a diamond of the same size. It is much more dispersible than diamond, which means it shows more 'fire' or rainbow flashes under light.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its lack of natural inclusions, high refractive index, and high specific gravity (feels heavy for its size). It can be scratched by a diamond but will scratch glass and most natural semi-precious stones.