Learning the Difference: Cubic Zirconia Vs. Lab Diamonds

In thе vast world of prеcious stonеs, еach holding its uniquе beauty, a diamond stands as thе most prеcious and brilliant gеm. Formеd naturally within thе Earth's surfacе ovеr onе to thrее billion yеars undеr еnvironmеntal conditions, natural diamonds boast unparallеlеd sparkle, making thеm both lеss accеssiblе and morе еxpеnsivе.

Table of Content:

• Thе Gеmstonе Rеvolution
• Lab Diamonds Vs. Cubic Zirconia: The Visual Deception
• Discovering Cubic Zirconia
• Understanding Cubic Zirconia and Lab Diamonds
• Can Cubic Zirconia be Considered a Diamond?
• Differentiating Between Cubic Zirconia and Lab Diamonds
• A Quick Overview

Thе Gеmstonе Revolution

In 1954, a groundbrеaking momеnt occurred with the emergence of lab diamonds, offering a budget-friendly alternative to mined diamonds that had been inaccessible for many. Craftеd using carbon atoms, lab diamonds mimic the process of how mined diamonds are created bеnеath the Earth's surfacе. Not only did thеy bеcomе morе accеssiblе, but lab diamonds also gainеd apprеciation for their еco-friеndly and еthically sourcеd naturе. Lab diamonds were created in a controllеd laboratory еnvironmеnt, holding thе samе authеnticity as naturally occurring diamonds.

As diamonds continued to capturе hеarts, anothеr gеmstonе еntеrеd thе spotlight, known today as cubic zirconia, or CZ. A cubic zirconia stonе prеsеnts a morе cost-еffеctivе option for many, bеing much morе affordablе than lab diamonds.

Lab Diamonds Vs. Cubic Zirconia: The Visual Deception

Lab diamonds and cubic zirconia (CZ) often deceive people due to their visual similarities. However, understanding the differences between the two is essential for making an informed choice when selecting a precious stone.

Let us help you understand the key differences between cubic zirconia and lab diamonds.

Discovering Cubic Zirconia

In the year 1937, Cubic Zirconia was discovered in its natural state by two German mineralogists. The zircon contained tiny crystals that were determined to be the cubic form of zirconium oxide by x-ray diffraction. It wasn’t until the 1970s that Soviet scientists learned about its diamond-like features. It was then popularised and marked its debut in jewellery. This represented a significant milestone in the gem industry due to its resemblance to diamonds at a much lower cost.

Understanding Cubic Zirconia and Lab Diamonds

Cubic zirconia, popularly known as CZ, is a synthetic gemstone designed to imitate the appearance of a diamond. Its creation involves melting zirconium oxide powder and combining it with various stabilisers. The mixture is heated to 5000 °F, leading to crystal formation. Though CZ may visually mimic diamonds, it lacks the essential carbon found in true diamond formation, making it less brilliant. On the Mohs hardness scale, CZ is rated 8.5, indicating lesser durability compared to lab diamonds.

Lab diamonds, also known as cultured or man-made diamonds, are genuine diamonds produced in a controlled laboratory environment. The creation process mirrors the natural environmental conditions under which diamonds form. Two primary methods, High Pressure, High Temperature (HPHT), and Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD), yield lab diamonds. Additionally, lab diamonds are made from carbon, the same element from which mined diamonds are made.

SHOP LOOSE LAB DIAMONDS

Can Cubic Zirconia be Considered a Diamond?

Cubic zirconia and diamonds share a striking resemblance, yet they differ in chemical and physical characteristics.

• CZ’s Composition

Cubic zirconia is a synthetic stone resembling diamonds in appearance but lacking the carbon essential for diamond formation. Created by melting zirconium oxide powder with stabilisers at a high temperature in a laboratory, CZ is not as brilliant as a diamond but serves as a more affordable substitute.

• Lab Diamonds' Authenticity:

Both lab grown diamonds and their mined counterparts are real diamonds because they are made of pure carbon. The only difference between them is their origin. Lab diamonds are produced through a procedure mimicking natural environmental conditions. Man-made diamonds, or lab diamonds, share the same physical, chemical and optical properties as natural diamonds. On the Mohs hardness scale, lab diamonds rank 10, while CZ is rated 8.5, which simply indicates lab diamonds' hardness and resistance. 

Distinguishing Between Cubic Zirconia and Lab Diamonds

For those not well-versed in gemology, distinguishing between lab diamonds and cubic zirconia (CZ) can be achieved through straightforward observations.

• Response to Natural Light:

Lab diamonds emit a pristine white light under natural light, while cubic zirconia often displays light dispersions resembling vibrant rainbows.

• Susceptibility to Wear and Tear:

Lab diamonds, known for their durability, are highly resistant to chipping, minimising the likelihood of scratches. In contrast, cubic zirconia's softer composition makes it more susceptible to scratches, providing a tangible indication for distinguishing between the two gems.

A Quick Overview

Both cubic zirconia (CZ) and lab diamonds are distinctive gemstones appealing to different tastes and requirements. CZ, being more affordable with a diamond-like appearance, is an affordable choice for those seeking a budget-friendly alternative without compromising on the looks.

On the other hand, lab diamonds offer authenticity and durability similar to natural diamonds, providing a composition that appeals to those valuing genuine gemstones.

With so many options available in the colourful world of gems, knowing the distinctions between lab-created diamonds and cubic zirconia allows you to make a decision that fits your tastes and way of life.