Cubic Zirconia
Synthetic Cubic Zirconium Dioxide · Simulated Gemstone / Jewelry Component
Crystal System
Cubic (Isometric); typically found as faceted stones or massive synthetic crystals in jewelry applications
Mineral Group
Oxides (Synthetic Isomorph of Baddeleyite)
Chemical Formula
ZrO2 (commonly stabilized with Y2O3 or CaO to maintain cubic structure)
Formation Process
Synthetic (Skull Melting process) where zirconium dioxide is melted at ultra-high temperatures and cooled slowly to transition into the isometric system
About This Crystal
The image shows small, colorless, round brilliant-cut stones set in a metallic band. They exhibit a high, vitreous to sub-adamantine luster and high transparency. When clean, they show significant dispersion (fire).
Physical Characteristics
Color: Colorless (D-grade equivalent); Streak: White; Cleavage: None; Fracture: Conchoidal; Specific Gravity: 5.6–6.0 (much denser than diamond); Fluorescence: Usually inert but can show yellow, orange, or beige under UV.
Optical Properties
Refractive Index: 2.15–2.18 (Singly Refractive); Birefringence: None; Dispersion: 0.058–0.066 (higher than diamond, causing more prismatic 'fire')
Hardness & Durability
Origin Region
Laboratory-created worldwide; originally developed in the Soviet Union (Lebedev Physical Institute)
Hardness & Durability
Mohs Hardness: 8.0–8.5; Toughness: Good, though more brittle than diamond; Stability: High resistance to heat, though susceptible to scratching and clouding over long periods of wear.
Care & Maintenance
Safe to clean with warm soapy water or ultrasonic cleaners; avoid harsh abrasives that can scratch the facets; store separately from harder gems like sapphires or diamonds.
Rarity & Value
Very Common; low value; primarily priced based on cutting labor rather than material rarity; used as an affordable alternative to diamonds.
Special Characteristics
High dispersion resulting in colorful 'rainbow' flashes; lack of inclusions (internally flawless) characteristic of synthetic production; higher specific gravity makes the stones feel heavier than natural counterparts of the same size.
Lore & History
First widely marketed in 1976 as a diamond stimulant. Historically significant for its role in making high-quality 'look-alike' jewelry accessible to the general public. Metaphysically, it is often associated with focus, clarity, and the release of ego.