::Cubic zirconia
::concepts
Zirconia::cubic Diamond::oxide Growth::title Cubic::material Crystals::scale Crystal::diamond
{{ safesubst:#invoke:Unsubst||$N=Use dmy dates |date=__DATE__ |$B=
}}
{{#invoke:Hatnote|hatnote}} {{#invoke:Hatnote|hatnote}}
{{ safesubst:#invoke:Unsubst||$N=Refimprove |date=__DATE__ |$B=
{{#invoke:Message box|ambox}}
}}
Cubic zirconia (CZ) is the cubic crystalline form of zirconium dioxide (ZrO2). The synthesized material is hard, optically flawless and usually colorless, but may be made in a variety of different colors. It should not be confused with zircon, which is a zirconium silicate (ZrSiO4). It is sometimes erroneously called "cubic zirconium".
Because of its low cost, durability, and close visual likeness to diamond, synthetic cubic zirconia has remained the most gemologically and economically important competitor for diamonds since commercial production began in 1976. Its main competitor as a synthetic gemstone is a more recently cultivated material, synthetic moissanite.
Cubic zirconia sections
Intro Technical aspects History Synthesis Innovations Cubic zirconia versus diamond See also References Further reading
| PREVIOUS: Intro | NEXT: Technical aspects |
| << | >> |