Cubic Zirconia (4.8 ct)

Lab-Made Synthetic. Cubic Zironia (CZ) is the cubic crystalline form of zirconium dioxide. The synthesized material is a hard material with a high refractive index making it a good substitute for Natural Diamond. It is often colourless (clear/white) but is also found in a variety of different colours. It should NOT be confused with Natural Zircon. It is sometimes erroneously called Cubic Zirconium. Because of its low cost, durability, and close visual likeness to diamond, synthetic cubic zirconia has remained the most gemologically and economically important competitor for diamonds since commercial production began in 1976. Its main competitor as a synthetic gemstone is a more recently cultivated material, synthetic Moissanite.
Refractive Index (R.I.) = 2.15 – 2.18
Hardness = 8.0 – 8.5 Mohs

For more information about Lab-Made (Man-Made) minerals, please read “Natural Gemstone vs Synthetics” (found in the “More” drop-down menu) for detailed descriptions and definitions of Synthetics and Simulants versus Natural minerals.