Cubic zirconia is one of the most popular gemstones in the modern jewellery market due to its incredible sparkle and affordability. Cubic zirconia is an unusual gemstone as it is not mined. This gemstone is created in a laboratory, but it no less desirable because of this fact. Cubic zirconia is favoured by many and has become a great presence in the jewellery industry throughout the years. This glistening gemstone is said to as attractive as diamond, but for a much lower price. If you are interested in learning more about this unusual gemstone, then keep reading for our top 10 interesting facts about cubic zirconia.
1. Cubic zirconia is made from the mineral element zirconium oxide.
The majority of popular gemstones form naturally and are mined from the earth after they have been allowed to develop for thousands of years. Unlike other gemstones, cubic zirconia is created in a laboratory, rather than mined from the ground. It is made using zirconium oxide powder.
2. Very intense heat is required to create cubic zirconia.
The gemstone is created in a controlled, laboratory setting, and each manufacturer has their own unique way of creating the gemstone. The standard method is to melt zirconium oxide powder in combination with some stabilizers such as magnesium and calcium. This mixture has to be exposed to temperatures of around 5000˚ Fahrenheit. After several hours, crystals will begin to form and stabilise. These crystals will then be cut and polished using the manufacturer’s unique process ready to be used in jewellery.
3. It was initially discovered and dismissed by German scientists.
Cubic zirconia was first discovered by German mineralogists in 1937. The gemstone was dismissed for years until it was rediscovered by Soviet-era scientists. It was hoped that the stone could be used as a diamond-like, indestructible substance. There were also theories that it may be used in place of rubies in lasers. Cubic zirconia was not used in the creation of jewellery until around 1969.
4. It can sometimes be hard to tell the difference between diamonds and cubic zirconia.
At a glance, it can be hard to tell the difference between diamond and cubic zirconia, even for a trained professional. Jewellers require loupes and magnifiers to identify the gemstones. However, cubic zirconia does not have any inclusions as it is artificially created, so when examined closely they can be told apart.
5. Cubic zirconia is around 75% heavier than diamond.
When observed in the same quantities, cubic zirconia is around 75% heavier than diamond. However, cubic zirconia is not as hard as diamond and is rated between 8 and 8.5 on the Mohs scale. This places it at around the same hardness as topaz.
6. This gemstone is created in a laboratory.
A chemical process is required for the creation of cubic zirconia. This process must take place in the controlled environment of a laboratory. Due to this, cubic zirconia does not come from any one specific geographical location. Many of the laboratories that create this gemstone are based in China and Thailand.
7. X-raying is said to be a technique that can tell diamonds and cubic zirconia apart.
The differences are because of the way the gemstones refract light. A diamond will show up as transparent on an x-ray, whereas a cubic zirconia gemstone will show up as an opaque white spot.
8. Some believe that cubic zirconia can balance the wearer’s mental and physical health.
All gemstones have beliefs associated with them, whether they be physical, mental, or spiritual. It is believed by many that cubic zirconia can balance the mental and physical health of the wearer. It is also thought that wearing this gemstone will aid in connecting the wearer to angelic realms.
9. This gemstone has also been mistaken for white zircon.
Although these two gemstones do share some similarities, they are distinctly different. This difference stems from how they are created. White zirconia is a natural gemstone and is mined from the Earth, whereas cubic zirconia is artificially created. Also, cubic zirconia can be created in a range of colours by adding different metal oxides to the combination of minerals before they are heat treated.
10. Cubic zirconia is favoured by many jewellery collectors due to its immense sparkle.
Cubic zirconia is one of the most popular gemstones in the jewellery industry. They are intensely sparkly and will add a touch of glamour to any outfit. This gemstone is even favoured by the rich as cubic zirconia gemstones have all of the positive traits of diamonds without the very high price tag. They can be worn daily without significant fear of damage and loss. This gemstone is an excellent choice for daily wear.
If you are interested in adding this eye-catching, sparkling gemstone to your collection, click here to browse cubic zirconia jewellery on our website.
What are your thoughts on our top 10 interesting facts about cubic zirconia? If you know any other fascinating ones, let us know in the comments below!
