The main difference between cubic zirconia and lab-grown diamond is that lab-grown diamonds have the same physical, chemical, and optical properties as natural diamonds, while cubic zirconia has different properties.
Cubic zirconia and lab-grown diamonds are two popular alternatives to natural diamonds. Although they may look similar, there are significant differences between them in terms of their properties, composition, and value.
Key Areas Covered
1. What is Cubic Zirconia
– Definition, Composition, Properties
2. What is Lab-grown Diamond
– Definition, Sweetness, Features
3. Similarities – Cubic Zirconia and Lab-grown Diamond
– Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Cubic Zirconia and Lab-grown Diamond
– Comparison of Key Differences
Key Terms
Cubic Zirconia, Diamond, Lab-grown Diamond
What is Cubic Zirconia
Cubic zirconia is a synthetic gemstone of zirconia that resembles a diamond. It is the cubic crystalline form of zirconium dioxide. We use it as a substitute for diamonds due to its close resemblance to diamonds, durability, and low cost. In fact, cubic zirconia is less expensive than diamonds as well as moissanite.
Cubic zirconia comes in different grades – from grade A to AAAAA. The highest quality cubic zirconia is hard to tell apart from diamonds without expert examinations. Moreover, hand-cut cubic zirconia closely resembles real diamonds than machine-cut cubic zirconia. Besides, they do not have the grey or green tint that occurs in some moissanites.
Although cubic zirconia has the brilliance of diamonds, they do not have diamonds’ luster. Moreover, they are not as hard or durable as diamonds. The Mohs Scale of Hardness rates cubic zirconia at 8 – 8.5.
What is Lab-grown Diamond
Lab-grown diamonds are created by replicating the natural conditions under which diamonds formed in the Earth’s mantle. The process of growing a diamond in a lab can take anywhere from 6 to 10 weeks, depending on the size and quality of the diamond. They compose carbon atoms arranged in a crystal structure, just like mined diamonds. Moreover, lab-grown diamonds can come in a range of colors, similar to real diamonds. They can even be grown with specific colors in mind. Lab-grown diamonds are as hard as natural diamonds, with a Mohs hardness rating of 10. They are not fake diamond alternatives like cubic zirconia or moissanite, which are made of different materials.
Lab-grown diamonds are sustainable and environmentally ethical because they do not require extraction from the ground, protecting natural resources for future generations. Lab-grown diamonds are generally less expensive than mined diamonds, and their prices have been decreasing in recent years as technology has improved.
Similarities Between Cubic Zirconia and Lab-grown Diamond
- Cubic zirconia and lab-grown diamonds are man-made.
- Both have a similar appearance to natural diamonds.
- They are significantly cheaper than natural diamonds.
- You can cut and polish both in a similar way to natural diamonds.
Difference Between Cubic Zirconia and Lab-grown Diamond
Definition
Cubic zirconia is a synthetically created diamond simulant, while lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds created by replicating the natural conditions under which diamonds formed in the Earth’s mantle.
Composition
Cubic zirconia is made from zirconium dioxide, while lab-grown diamonds are made from pure carbon atoms arranged in a crystal lattice structure.
Properties
Lab-grown diamonds have the same physical, chemical, and optical properties as natural diamonds, while cubic zirconia have different properties. Cubic zirconia is not as hard or durable as lab-grown diamonds, but it has a higher refractive index than diamonds, which gives it more brilliance.
Price
Cubic zirconia is much less expensive than lab-grown diamonds.
Conclusion
The main difference between cubic zirconia and lab-grown diamond is that lab-grown diamonds have the same physical, chemical, and optical properties as natural diamonds, while cubic zirconia has different properties, including their hardness, durability, and brilliance.
Reference:
1. “Cubic Zirconia.” Wikipedia. Wikipedia Foundation.
2. “What are Lab-Created Diamonds?” The Diamond Store.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Cubic Zirconia” (CC0) via Pixabay
2. “WD Lab Grown Diamonds” By BrittanyRL – Own work (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia
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