Cubic Zirconia vs. Diamond: What’s the Difference?

For ages, diamonds have been the gemstone of choice for a variety of things ranging from engagement rings to statement pieces. Nevertheless, Cubic Zirconia has become a common choice because of its resemblance to precious stones. Each stone has its own appeal and position in jewelry. But what exactly is the Cubic Zirconia, and how about the differences between it and the diamonds? How can you quickly tell them apart? This guide is here to provide the answers to your confusion.

What Is Cubic Zirconia?

Cubic Zirconia (CZ) is a synthetic gemstone that closely resembles a diamond due to its brilliance and crystal clarity. It's a man-made crystalline form of zirconium dioxide (ZrO2). Although it shares many visual similarities with diamonds, including its appearance and the way it refracts light, there are distinct differences.

How Is Cubic Zirconia Produced?

Zirconium oxide powder is first fused with stabilizers such as calcium and magnesium after which at times it may be melted at temperatures that are very high reaching almost 5000 degrees Fahrenheit. This molten mixture is then cooled in a controlled environment to form crystals. The crystallization process is slow to ensure the proper formation of Cubic Zirconia. Once the crystals are fully formed, they are given the shapes which they have desired. The cutting and polishing of them demand expert workmanship for a mesmerizing finish similar to that of natural diamonds.

Differences between Cubic Zirconia and Diamond

1. Composition

A diamond is nature's simplicity at its finest-just one element, carbon, arranged in an incredibly strong structure that makes it the hardest known substance. Cubic Zirconia, on the other hand, is a bit more complex. It's made in a lab from zirconium dioxide-a compound where zirconium plays tag with oxygen atoms to form a sturdy duo.

2. Hardness

Diamonds are the hardest known natural material, scoring a maximum of 10 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness. This makes them incredibly resistant to scratches and abrasions; they can essentially only be scratched by another diamond. Cubic Zirconia, while also hard, rates significantly lower on the Mohs scale at about an 8 to 8.5. It's quite durable compared to other gemstones but is more susceptible to being scratched over time, especially when exposed to rough conditions that wouldn't affect diamonds. Consequently, Cubic Zirconia may lose some of its initial luster and clarity after years of wear.

3. Brilliance and Refraction

Diamonds are renowned for their sparkling brilliance due to a high refractive index, which allows them to bend and highlight white light in a very crisp, clear manner. Cubic Zirconia, while also reflective, has a lower refractive index and tends to disperse more colorful light, known as 'fire.' In simpler terms, if a diamond and Cubic Zirconia were both doing a light show, the diamond would be a spotlight with a crisp, clear beam, while Cubic Zirconia would be more like a disco ball-still bright, but with more colors splashed around.

4. Color and Clarity

Diamonds come in a range of colors-from completely colorless to a variety of hues-and their value often hinges on that lack of color, with the clearest ones being the most prized. Clarity in diamonds refers to how free they are from internal imperfections, called "inclusions," and surface defects known as "blemishes." Natural diamonds almost always have these little flaws, and the fewer there are, the rarer and more expensive the diamond. Cubic zirconia takes a different approach. Since it's made in a controlled lab environment, it can be produced without any inclusions or blemishes, resulting in a product that's often perfectly clear and nearly always colorless. However, some Cubic Zirconia may intentionally be made with a hint of color to mimic the various shades found in diamonds.

5. Economic Value and Cost

For a long time, diamonds were held in high esteem in terms of their value, which determined the steep prices associated with them due to their rareness and positions. Conversely, Cubic Zirconia is an affordable alternative. Its cost-effectiveness arises from its synthetic nature, which is manufactured in laboratories rather than being naturally formed within the earth's crust like diamonds, thus bypassing the cumbersome mining process and intricate international supply chains that affect diamonds. Consequently, Cubic Zirconia has become an option for buyers who want to look like they are wearing a diamond but cannot afford the price that comes along with it.

6. Maintenance and Care

Diamonds are tough cookies; they can stand up to a lot of wear and tear. Cubic Zirconiation, perfume, or even the oils from your skin can make Cubic Zirconia look cloudy. And because it can scratch more easily, it's wise to store Cubic Zirconia jewelry separately from other pieces.

7. Ethical and Environmental Considerations

From the ethics of labor practices to the environmental toll of extraction, mining diamonds have historically raised serious concerns. Natural diamonds often come with a heavy footprint, involving extensive earth-moving and resource use, not to mention the social and ethical dilemmas associated with conflict diamonds that fund violence. Cubic zirconia, as a lab-created gemstone, sidesteps many of the environmental issues linked to traditional mining. There's no need for massive open-pit mines or deep excavations. It also skirts past the ethical controversies since there are no mining-related labor issues to grapple with.

How to Quickly Tell the Cubic Zirconia from Diamond?

Visual Inspection

Look closely at the gem under good lighting. Cubic Zirconia usually exhibits more colorful "fire" than a diamond and also tends to have a perfectly clear appearance, as it rarely has inclusions. In contrast, diamonds often contain some natural imperfections, which can sometimes be seen with the naked eye.

Weight Test

If you have a scale sensitive enough to measure the difference, you'll find that Cubic Zirconia is heavier than diamond. A piece of Cubic Zirconia will weigh approximately 1.7 times more than a diamond of the same size.

Fog Test

Breathe on the stone and see how long the fog lasts. Diamonds disperse heat rapidly, so any fog from your breath should dissipate almost instantly. On Cubic Zirconia, the fog will linger for a few seconds longer.

UV Light Test

Under ultraviolet light, many diamonds will exhibit fluorescence (a blueish glow), whereas Cubic Zirconia does not. However, not all diamonds fluoresce, so this test isn't definitive.

Make an Informed Choice

In the glint of jewelry, Cubic Zirconia and diamonds each has their stage to shine, and it's quite handy to tell the difference between them. Whether you're drawn to the enduring allure of diamonds or the accessible beauty of Cubic Zirconia, each stone brings its own story and charm to your collection. With this guide in mind, you're now better equipped to select a gemstone that aligns with both your aesthetic preferences and values, ensuring that your jewelry resonates with your personal narrative over time.