mineral

Cubic Zirconia

Cubic Zirconium Dioxide (ZrO2)

Hardness: 8.0-8.5 Mohs; Color: Typically colorless (can be tinted); Luster: Adamantine; Crystal Structure: Isometric; Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 5.6-6.0

Hardness: 8
Color: Typically colorless (can be tinted)
Luster: Adamantine

Identified March 12, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 8.0-8.5 Mohs; Color: Typically colorless (can be tinted); Luster: Adamantine; Crystal Structure: Isometric; Cleavage: None; Specific Gravity: 5.6-6.0

Formation & geological history

Primarily synthetic lab-grown material since the 1970s; naturally occurring baddeleyite exists but is rare and usually monoclinic rather than cubic.

Uses & applications

Dominant diamond stimulant in the jewelry industry; used in industrial high-temperature applications and optical lenses.

Geological facts

Cubic zirconia has a higher dispersion rate (0.058-0.066) than diamond (0.044), which causes it to produce more 'fire' or colorful flashes when it catches the light.

Field identification & locations

Identify by observing 'fire' (spectral colors), weight (it is significantly heavier than diamond), and lack of natural inclusions under a loupe. Commonly set in silver or gold-plated mountings.