Cubic Zirconia Engagement Ring
Cubic zirconia is a marvelous outcome of experiment. It is a crystalline cubic composition of zirconium oxide stabilized with small quantities of other minerals, typically yttrium or calcium. Although cubic zirconia can occur naturally, it is very rare because it requires temperatures in excess of 5,000 degrees Fahrenheit in order to form substantial crystals. In addition to the high temperatures, gradual cooling is also vital in the process of forming flawless, uniform stones.
For so many years, people always have this misconception to regard even high quality zirconia as nothing more than a cheap imitation diamond, but today this kind of sparkling stones are recognized as artificial jewels. The chemical composition is ZrO2, or zirconium oxide, and it can contain various other metal oxides within the isometric crystal structure to create a variety of colors, such as:
- Chromium for a green hue.
- Cerium for yellow, red, and orange shades.
- Neodymium for purple tints.
- Erbium for pink stones.
- Titanium for brown shades.
Because of this flexibility, these synthetic gems can be used as substitutions for various colored diamonds as well as emeralds and other gems.
Comparison between Cubic Zirconium & Diamonds:
- Flaws: Very few gems are flawless, and a true diamond often has some small measure of inclusions or imperfections, whereas artificial stones are flawless due to the precise method of making it.
- Hardness: CZ is harder than diamond, though it is somewhat more brittle and prone to damage more easily.
- Weight: A typical zirconia gem is nearly 70 percent heavier than diamond, and weighing loose stones can help detect this difference.
- Sparkle: Artificial gems have less clear sparkle but reflect more color within the crystal structure than diamond. When examining a diamond, the sparkles will be flashes of light or simply appear to be shadows, whereas CZ shows rainbows and colors.
Most people who choose cubic zirconia as a diamond alternative to fit more elaborate pieces of jewelry with higher quality metals such as platinum or titanium. Because the stone is often the most expensive piece of an engagement ring or other gemstone jewelry, using an artificial substitute can drastically reduce the cost of the piece while still allowing for an elegant design.
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