cubic zirconia

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Cubic zirconia earrings

Species:  CZ (Synthetic Cubic Zirconia)
Mohs Hardness:  8 to 8.5 out of 10
Color:  Nearly every color, including colorless
RI:  OTL
Birefringence:  None
SR/DR/AGG:  SR
Pleochroism:  None
Spectrum:  Not diagnostic
Fluorescence:  Variable, not diagnostic
SG:  5.60 to 6.00

cubic zirconia facts

Rainbow colored CZ tennis bracelet

Colorless CZs are commonly used as diamond imitations.

CZs are produced in nearly all colors to simulate sapphires, rubies, emeralds, garnets, topazes, peridots and more.

The natural form of cubic zirconia was discovered in 1892.  Synthetic CZs weren't invented until the 1930s.  They would later be mass-produced and introduced to the jewelry marked in the 1970s.

CZs weigh approximately 70% more than diamonds of the same size and proportions.
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Cubic zirconia engagement ring

All photos courtesy of Scott Papper, GIA GG, AJP, CMA (NAJA)