Diamond & Jewelry News, Advice and Prices for Consumers
Diamond & Jewelry News, Advice and Prices for Consumers
October 9, 2010
I know that CZ is used very frequently in jewelry, but isn't there also a scientific application for the material? What exactly are the properties of CZ?
October 13, 2010
Cubic Zirconia is made from the oxide of zirconium, ZrO2, a metallic element. Cubic Zirconia is created naturally occurring zirconium dioxide, otherwise known as baddeleyite by geologists, is exposed to high temperatures, over 2300°C (almost 5000°F). When this happens, the mineral expands. Then other elements including calcium and yttrium are introduced which cause the mineral crystallizes into a cubic structure. The final outcome is a material which measures 8.5 on the Moh’s Scale of Hardness and boasts a RI (refractive index) of 2.088 to 2.18. It also weights about 65% more than diamond, being that it is unusually dense and entirely flawless.
October 12, 2010
really not sure. I know that it's made of oxide zicronium or whatever it's called. and that it does in fact occur naturally and is exposed at high temps, but i actually didn't know more than that until i read what the person said above. Wow, i didn't realize that it was more dense and flawless... even more so than a diamond. But it's not surprising since aesthetically, they are so similar. Didn't realize it was heavier than a diamond. I guess because it's denser. Hmm... why would it be more dense? Maybe the artificial minerals in it? Hmm... weird.
