Cubic Zirconia, sometimes also written as cubic zirconia and abbreviated as CZ, is a very popular synthetic stone often used as a sparkling element in jewellery. In the 1970s, Russian scientists successfully created a perfect synthetic diamond using cubic zirconia.

Difference Between Cubic Zirconia and Zircon

The properties of cubic zirconia are very similar to those of a diamond but should not be confused with the natural mineral zircon. Thanks to its synthetic production, cubic zirconia is much cheaper than both zircon and diamond, despite its reminiscent properties of both.

Difference Between Cubic Zirconia and Diamond

Cubic Zirconia (CZ) is not a diamond. Cubic Zirconia is a synthetic (lab-created) crystal that resembles a diamond in appearance but has different physical and chemical properties. Here are some key points that differentiate them:

1. Composition:
   • Diamond: Naturally occurring, consists of carbon atoms arranged in a crystalline lattice.
   • Cubic Zirconia: Lab-created, made of zirconium dioxide (ZrO2).
2. Hardness:
   • Diamond: The hardest known natural substance. Scale 10 on Mohs hardness scale.
   • Cubic Zirconia: Much less hard than diamond, about 8-8.5 on Mohs scale.
3. Refractive Index (refraction of light):
   • Diamond: Has a high refractive index (2.42), which gives a unique brilliance and sparkling effect.
   • Cubic Zirconia: Has a lower refractive index (2.15-2.18) compared to diamond.
4. Density:
   • Diamond: Has a density of approx. 3.5 g/cm3.
   • Cubic Zirconia: Has a density of 5.65 g/cm3 and is significantly heavier than a diamond of the same size.
5. Price:
   • Diamond: Among the most expensive gemstones and is considerably more expensive.
   • Cubic Zirconia: Much cheaper due to its easily produced nature compared to diamonds.
6. Durability:
   • Diamond: Extremely durable and resistant to scratches.
   • Cubic Zirconia: Can be scratched more easily and may lose its luster over time.

How is Cubic Zirconia Manufactured?

Cubic Zirconia is produced, like synthetic diamonds, in laboratories. Unlike zircon, which is a rare and expensive gemstone made of zirconium silicate, cubic zirconia is an oxide (zirconium oxide). Unlike diamond, both cubic zirconia and zircon are considerably much softer, which is also the reason why these are often used in earrings and necklaces and even in rings although they are more exposed to external stresses. You can most commonly find jewellery such as silver chains and silver bracelets adorned with cubic zirconia as they considered to have a matching value.

Advantages of Cubic Zirconia

Cubic zirconia has many diamond-like properties but is much cheaper. Therefore, the stone is a perfect alternative to real diamond if you want the shine and luster without spending thousands. Cubic zirconia is a very hard stone (8-8.5 on Mohs scale) and is therefore very well suited in jewellery worn both for special occasions and everyday use.

Jewellery with Cubic Zirconia

In our collection, we have many pieces of jewellery with cubic zirconia. Choose among silver jewellery in 925 Sterling Silver, jewellery in 9 carat gold and 18 carat gold. Here are some of our selected favourites!