Interesting Facts About Cubic Zirconia

Interesting Facts About Cubic Zirconia

Jewels

Cubic Zirconia Engagement Rings

Cubic zirconia engagement rings are quite the rage these days. This is because the stone itself has a brilliant shine. It’s mainly popular because of its sturdiness. Due to the fact that a zircon is crystallographically isometric, it closely resembles a diamond in its appearance. Also the fact that these are super sparkly, cost almost a fraction of what an actual diamond does and is a sold in all bling jewelries, it’s got a pretty interesting history as well. Below are some interesting facts on cubic zirconia

  • People often mistake cubic zirconia for zircons which are naturally harvested from mines. Whereas cubic zirconia are manufactured in a lab. While an ordinary zircon has the ability to reflect light, a cubic zirconia has more fire.
  • Cubic zirconia are synthesised as diamond simulants, this is why these are even less expensive than regular zircons.
  • While zircons have flashes of brown or yellow in them, cubic zirconia engagement rings are colourless and have no flash of colour and have brilliant white shine.
  • Also zirconia are completely flawless.
  • Since cubic zirconia is manufactured it has a hardness which can surpass that of a regular zircon. In the beginning zircons were often treated to act as diamond substitutes.
  • The largest supply of CZ comes from China and Thailand.
  • Another interesting fact is that an X-ray can determine the difference between an actual diamond and a CZ. When seen on an X-ray the diamonds appear radiolucent unlike other mineral because they are formed by bonds of carbon.
  • Most people believe that a CZ I much inferior to a diamond. While a diamond costs a great deal more, it’s a known fact that once purchased a diamond loses 50% of its resale value.
  • Everyone loves replica jewellery. Why? Because it’s pretty, can add a great deal of sparkle, closely resembles a diamond yet cost fraction of the price. Plus you can wear these while travelling without having to worry about losing it on the way.
  • A cubic zircon weighs twice the diamond of the same size. This is due to the addition of stabilisers during the heating process while the stones are being synthesised. The purpose of adding stabilisers is to allow the stone to retain its shape once it cools down.
  • The famous Swarovski crystals are made from cubic zirconia as well.
  • Visually it is almost impossible to tell a well cut CZ from a regular diamond. This is because it closely resembles a diamond in its structure and shape. When a jeweller makes use of loupe or a magnifier to differentiate between authentic diamonds and CZ.
  • Initially the Russians were the first people to synthesise the CZ. They wanted to create a special kind of glass for their astronauts through which they could take pictures of space. The basic aim was to create a stone which resembled a ruby in its properties and to be sued for scientific work. It was not used as jewellery until the year 1969.