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In the late 1960's the benefits of lab created Cubic Zirconia diamond simulants were discovered in France. Because of its low cost, durability, and close visual similarity to diamond, a lab created cubic zirconia diamond simulant has remained the most important diamond simulant since 1976. Its main competition as a synthetic gemstone is the more recently cultivated material moissanite. Cubic Zirconia diamond simulants should not be confused with zircon, which is a zirconium silicate.
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Cubic zirconia diamond simulant is a dense substance, with a specific gravity between 5.6 - 6.0. Cubic zirconia diamond is relatively hard, at about 8.5 on the Mohl's scale- nowhere near the hardness of natural diamond, but much harder than most natural gems. Cubic zirconia diamond has no cleavage and it is considered brittle.
Only a trained eye can easily tell the difference between a Cubic zirconia diamond and a natural diamond because their look is so close. There are a few key features of CZ which clearly distinguish it from diamond, some can only be seen under the microscope or loupe. Cubic Zirconia diamond have a greater dispersive power than diamonds, making it sparkle a great deal. It is not as hard as a diamond, causing it to have a lower luster and surface scratches. Cubic Zirconia Diamonds weigh about 1.7 times more than a diamond, which is useful when looking at loose stones. Cubic Zirconia Diamonds are relatively flawless but they can be manufactured entirely colorless. The most important property from a jeweler's perspective is that all one needs to tdo is apply the tip of a thermal probe to a suspicious diamond. Cubic Zirconia Diamonds are thermal insulators while diamonds are among the most efficient thermal conductors known to man.
Cubic Zirconia diamond simulants are increasingly gaining acceptance in the jewelry industry. While the stone used to have a sleazy reputation among buyers, it is now overcoming this shabby image and it is showing growing sales. Retailers are giving more attention to the stone. Large diamond retailer Service Merchandise's catalog has four pages devoted to Cubic Zirconia Diamonds. In fact, merchants throughout the country have confirmed that cubic zirconia diamonds are a strengthening product. Cubic zirconia diamonds have especially become profitable as reproductions of generic diamond pieces, particularly in stud earrings, the diamond solitaire and the tennis bracelet.
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