Natural Zircon and Cubic Zirconia

Cubic Zircon (or cubic zirconia also know as a CZ) is well known as a cheap alternative for a diamond, but many people are un-aware of the differences between a CZ and a natural zircon and can often confuse the two.
Cubic zirconia is zirconium oxide a mineral that is extremely rare in nature but is widely synthesized for use as a diamond simulant, but it is also made in a variety of different colors.

Natural zircon is zirconium silicate a common mineral with gem-quality stones found naturally in colours such as yellow, orange, blue, red, violet, brown and green varieties as well as a colourless. Heat treating natural zircon can make less desirable colours into successful colourless stones or even enhance the colour.

Natural zircon is distinguishable from a diamond as it displays a double refection which can cause it to have a “fuzzy” appearance, it is also sometimes possible to tell the two apart by the amount of wear and tear of the edges of the zircon’s facets, as zircon is much softer than diamond with a hardness of around 7 – 7 ½. Whereas a CZ is a slightly harder measuring around 8.5 on the Mohs scale (with diamond being 10) and it is optically flawless and usually colorless, often making it look to good to be a true diamond!

Though Zircon’s are mostly associated as being a diamond simulant, the natural coloured stones do come in wonderful shades and because of stunning optical luster it’s no wonder why people chose to use them. Though caution must be taken when thinking of choosing a zircon for an engagement ring, this is because they are not the most durable of gemstones and care must be taken when wearing them as they are easily chipped or scratched.