What is Cubic Zirconia?

Cubic zirconia, or CZ in the jewelry industry, is a laboratory-grown transparent crystal that looks very much like diamond, but its chemical composition is actually zirconium oxide (ZrO₂) crystallized into a cubic structure at high temperature.

Why is cubic zirconia called a “fake diamond”?

Cubic zirconia looks very similar to diamonds, but its price is much lower than diamonds, so it is often called “fake diamonds” or “artificial diamond substitutes”, but it does not have the value-preserving properties of diamonds. It is not a synthetic diamond, nor a natural gemstone, but it is a very cost-effective diamond substitute.

Can a diamond tester detect cubic zirconia?

An ordinary diamond tester (thermal conductivity meter/thermal conductivity tester) can identify that cubic zirconia is not diamond. The thermal conductivity of natural diamond is extremely high (about 1000 W/m·K), while the thermal conductivity of cubic zirconia is only about 10 W/m·K. The difference between the two is huge and it is easy to detect.

“Diamond substitute” cubic zirconia (CZ), can you have the sparkle effect of tens of thousands of yuan for just a few dozen dollars? In terms of composition: diamond is pure carbon, which can withstand both natural and artificial erosion; cubic zirconia is purely artificial and is a “quickly made” product in the laboratory. Diamond has perfect hardness, and even if worn for ten years, its edges can still scratch glass; cubic zirconia is slightly softer, and daily bumps can easily turn it into a “battle-damaged version”. Cubic zirconia of the same size feels heavier in the hand, and its fire is dazzling, but the luster of diamond is cooler and more advanced.

 

 

Cubic Zirconia vs Diamond

Property Cubic Zirconia (CZ) Diamond Notes
Origin Lab‑grown synthetic Natural or lab‑grown carbon CZ is entirely man‑made
Chemical Formula ZrO2 C Different elemental makeup
Hardness (Mohs) ≈ 8.5 10 Diamond is the hardest gemstone
Refractive Index ≈ 2.17 ≈ 2.42 Diamond has higher brilliance
Dispersion (“Fire”) 0.058 – 0.066 0.044 CZ shows stronger rainbow fire
Density (g/cm³) 5.6 – 6.0 3.52 CZ feels heavier of the same size
Thermal Conductivity Very low Very high Diamond passes heat‑probe testers
Typical Price (1 ct) USD $10 – $30 USD $3,000 + CZ is far more affordable
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