Although at one time cubic zirconia was looked down upon as a “fake” diamond, today the simulated stones are appreciated for their own characteristics and beauty. Still, many people do not have a thorough understanding of these synthetic gems. Here are answers to some common questions.
What is Cubic Zirconia?
Loose cubic zirconia (also called CZ stones) are lab created gems. Cubic zirconia is found in nature, but it is extremely rare and the chemical properties of natural cubic zirconia are slightly different than those of synthetic gems. The simulated stones are made from a powder that is heated to a very high temperature, and then cooled in a controlled environment so that flawless crystals form.
How are Cubic Zirconia Stones Different from Diamonds?
There are several differences, the most notable of which is that diamonds are found in nature whereas cubic zirconia used for jewelry is man-made. Diamonds rate 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness (the highest rating), whereas cubic zirconia is generally rated at 8.5 on the hardness scale. CZ stones are denser and thus heavier than diamonds. When it comes to quality, however, these...