Cubic Zirconia (CZ) is a man-made stone known for resembling diamonds. It is created through a complex process of melting zirconium oxide powder at high temperatures. While visually similar, CZ has distinct physical properties compared to diamonds. Visual Differences Brilliance and Fire The interplay of light in a gemstone is its heartbeat. Cubic zirconia tends to retain heat longer than a diamond and will stay cloudy. If you have access to a black light, take a look at the diamond beneath it. Real diamonds should turn blue. However, the brighter the blue, the less pure the diamond. Those of extremely high quality will, ironically, fail this test. Zirconia rocks are primarily manmade imitations of diamonds, as they are manmade and artificial, zirconia rocks are way more abounding than diamonds. For this purpose, cubic zirconia stone is far more economical than a usual diamond. Zirconia stones retain diamond’s perfect, colorless shine and charm, durability zirconia has several qualities Lab diamonds are created from carbon, just like real diamonds. Diamond simulants look similar to diamonds but are not created with true carbon crystals. Two of the most common diamond simulants are moissanite and cubic zirconia. Moissanite: While natural moissanite does occur, it is very rare. For example, a natural white topaz can be sold as an imitation diamond. On the other hand, it can also be sold as a real topaz. A CZ described as a cubic zirconia in a jewelry ad isn't an imitation. In contrast, a CZ represented as a diamond "lookalike" is an imitation. Moissanite is silicon carbide and the diamond-like stone has similar brilliance, fire, luster and hardness. Today it takes specialized tools to discern the difference between a moissanite gemstone and a genuine diamond. Unlike cubic zirconia, a known diamond simulant, moissanite is rare, heavy and extremely durable. If you place the two stones behind the light, it can quickly tell by the difference in reflection. The diamond ring will leave more impact and reflection, while the cubic zirconia will leave diminished reflection. Cubic zirconia reflects a rainbow light, and the light dispersion in excess becomes easier to tell that it is a fake stone. Cubic Zirconia, better known as "CZ," are lab grown diamond simulates cut to mimic the color and brilliance of diamonds. Brian Driscoll from the Gemological .

cubic zirconia and diamond difference