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Natural Zircon Vs Cubic Zirconia: A Complete Guide
In the world of jewelry, the term “zircon” can often cause confusion, especially when talking about natural zircon and cubic zirconia (CZ). The two crystals share a similar name, their characteristics, origins and uses are significantly different. In this blog, we will explore the differences between natural zircon and cubic zirconia in detail, clearing up any doubts and helping you make more informed choices for your jewelry purchases.
Natural Zircon: A Treasure of Nature
Origin and Composition
Natural zircon is a mineral that occurs naturally in different parts of the world. It is composed primarily of zirconium silicate (ZrSiO4) and may contain traces of uranium, thorium and other elements. Its formation occurs in igneous and metamorphic rocks, making it a rare and precious mineral.
Features and Appearance
The brilliance and light dispersion of natural zircon rival that of diamond. It is found in a range of colors, including colorless, yellow, brown, red, green, and blue. Its hardness on the Mohs scale ranges from 6.5 to 7.5, making it quite durable but more prone to scratches than diamonds.
Use in jewelry
Due to its brilliance and variety of colors, natural zircon is used in rings, earrings, necklaces and other jewelry pieces. Each stone is unique, which adds a special touch to the jewelry it is set in.
Cubic Zirconia: The Man-Made Gemstone
Origin and Composition
Cubic zirconia, often abbreviated to CZ, is a synthetic material created in a laboratory. It is composed of zirconium oxide (ZrO2) stabilized with yttrium oxide. Its industrial production began in the 1970s and has since become one of the most popular synthetic gems in the jewelry world.
Use in jewelry
Due to its beauty and lower cost than diamonds, cubic zirconia is widely used in engagement rings, earrings, bracelets and other jewelry. It is especially popular for fashion jewelry and for those who want a diamond-like appearance without the associated high cost.
1. Origin:
– Natural Zircon: Natural mineral extracted in nature
– Cubic Zirconia: Synthetic material produced in the laboratory.
2. Composition:
– Natural Zircon: Zirconium silicate (ZrSiO4).
– Cubic Zirconia: Zirconium oxide (ZrO2).
3. Brillance:
– Natural Zircon: High light dispersion, similar to diamonds.
– Cubic Zirconia: Very brilliant, but less so than most high-quality diamonds.
4. Hardness:
– Natural Zircon: 6.5 – 7.5 on the Mohs scale.
– Cubic Zirconia: Approximately 8.5 on the Mohs scale.
5. Price:
– Natural Zircon: Generally much more expensive than CZ, but less than natural diamonds.
– Cubic Zirconia: Cheaper and accessible.
Conclusion
Both natural zircon and cubic zirconia have their place in the world of jewelry, each with their own distinctive characteristics. The choice between the two depends on your personal preferences, budget and intended use of the jewelry. Natural zircon offers unique beauty and a natural origin, while cubic zirconia provides a brilliance similar to diamonds at a much lower cost and is used in the goldsmith sector as an imitation diamond.