2007-09-21 14:57:53 · 11 answers · asked by John M 1 in Beauty & Style ➔ Fashion & Accessories
Cubic zirconia is so optically close to diamond that only a trained eye can easily differentiate the two. There are a few key features of CZ which distinguish it from diamond, some observable only under the microscope or loupe. For example:
* Dispersion. With a dispersive power greater than diamond (0.060 vs. 0.044) the more prismatic fire of CZ can be seen by even an untrained eye.
* Hardness. CZ has an 8.5 to 9.0 on the Mohs' hardness scale vs. a rating of 10 for diamonds.
* Specific gravity. CZs are heavyweights in comparison to diamonds; a CZ will weigh about 1.7 times more than a diamond of equivalent size.
* Flaws. Contemporary production of cubic zirconia is virtually flawless, whereas most diamonds have some sort of defect, be it a feather, included crystal, or perhaps a remnant of an original crystal face (e.g. trigons).
* Refractive index. CZ has a refractive index of 2.176, compared to a diamond's 2.417.
* Cut. Under close inspection with a loupe, the facet shapes of some CZs appear different from diamonds.
* Color. More precisely, the lack of color: Only the rarest of diamonds are truly colorless, most having a tinge of yellow or brown to some extent. By comparison, CZ can be made in most cases entirely colorless: equivalent to a perfect "D" on diamond's color grading scale.
* Thermal conductivity. CZs are thermal insulators whilst diamonds are among the most efficient thermal conductors, exceeding copper. This makes telling the difference between diamond and CZ quite easy for those with the right instruments.
also here are some tips on differentiating the two
While you have both a diamond and a CZ do these two tests...exhale on both and they will both cloud, one cloud will stay MUCH longer than the other. Then run a felt tip pen over both, on one the line will stay put and on the other the ink will bead up. Both tests are assuming the stone in question is mounted, if it's loose you can just weigh it. CZ weighs so much more than diamond it'll be obvious with any chart or gauge.
Another simple way to distinguish cubic zirconia from diamond is to get a hold of a long-wave ultraviolet light (also called a black light). Diamonds will usually glow blue, cubic zirconia will glow mustard yellow.
cz is slightly softer than diamond so the diamond should scratch the cz. Don't try that on nice pieces though!
2007-09-21 15:29:45 · answer #1 · answered by krish 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi John, Most of the others have answered quite well on the difference but I have a question. Are you asking because you don't want to spend a lot of money on a real diamond and checking to see if cubic zirconias will hold up to their price? The answer is no. Cubic zirconias will turn cloudy in time and just doesn't hold the sparkle. If you want to purchase a "not real" diamond but still look like one, that will hold up longer AND have more brilliance than a REAl diamond, then check out Moissenite. It comes from the stars and has a refraction (sparkle) better than a real diamond. Just check it out at moisseniteco.com or check your local JCPennys. They have it too. OH, by the way, it doesn't cost as much as a real diamond. 1 carat will cost about $700.00 but IS worth it. I love my moissenite!
2007-09-21 15:14:26 · answer #2 · answered by Autismmomof2 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Real diamonds took millions of years for nature to make out of fossilized carbon using the pressure of the earth being pushed down with gravity.....and cubic zirconia comes from a factory.
2007-09-21 15:04:15 · answer #3 · answered by kawm63 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Diamonds are made by nature, zirconia's are man made.
If it's a high quality zirconia only a jeweler or gemologist can tell the difference.
2007-09-21 15:05:31 · answer #4 · answered by unknown friend 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
ask your girlfriend
she'll know
and after she tells you, she'll most likely dump u lol
jk sorry
diamonds are a girls best friend and are made by nature over thousands of years---it also takes thousands of years to pay for a pair---lol
CZ is a cheap man's Benedict Arnold.--its also made in a factory
you give one to a girl and say it's the real thing, you'll be dumped when she finds out.
you say it's CZ, you'll get dumped for being cheap
pick one and stick to it
on the other hand, flowers are always nice!
lol
luck!
2007-09-21 15:13:56 · answer #5 · answered by . 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
dont ever give a girl you like cubic zirconia. its cheap and woman will find out.
2007-09-21 15:05:02 · answer #6 · answered by yowuzup 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
CZ are made to look like diamonds but are completely fake, Diamonds are the real thing, plus they sparkle more.
2007-09-21 15:04:13 · answer #7 · answered by haileyc30 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The difference between man made imitations and millions of years of natural development. That and several thousands of dollars.
2007-09-21 15:05:07 · answer #8 · answered by Boof 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Night and day. Diamonds will cut glass,C.Z. will not.
2007-09-21 15:07:49 · answer #9 · answered by Ralph T 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
one quick divorce if she finds out
2007-09-21 15:05:09 · answer #10 · answered by Evan R 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋