Artificial cubic zirconia stone - where it came from and how it is produced, photo of the mineral, how to distinguish it from a diamond, stone care

History of invention

Cubic zirconia is an analogue of a diamond. This is an artificial duplicate. That is, this means that the stone is created by man, and not by nature. The invention is named after the institution where they worked on creating a mineral similar to diamond. Research and experiments were organized at the Physical Institute of the Academy of Sciences, which at that time belonged to the USSR.

The discovery is named after the capital letters of the institution where the development was carried out.

The created analogue received a name corresponding to the abbreviated name of the scientific institution - FIANit.

Precious or not

The duplicate, which was cleared for sale, caused a stir among jewelers. The price of the stone was much lower than a diamond, and in appearance it was in no way tired of the king of precious minerals. For some time there were even rumors that fake gems were being sold, the production of which had been established by foreign jewelry companies. Therefore, the question arose, is the gemstone cubic zirconia or not?

Let us note that the duplicate was not created for use in jewelry. Scientists tried to develop a crystal that could be used in laser equipment. One way or another, now it is a popular gem, not inferior in beauty to diamonds. The price is available to all categories of citizens. Anyone can afford such decoration.

Physical properties

The analogue is similar to the original not only in beauty, but also in physical properties.

Cubic zirconia is similar to a diamond; it is difficult to distinguish them from each other with the naked eye.

This is a fairly hard mineral. The Mohs scale ranges from 7.5 to 8.5. It has a pronounced glass shine and shimmers. This is a transparent mineral, it is easy to see the sun's rays through it, which causes sparkle. The palette is diverse, the shade depends on the constituent element that is added to the main material.

The following shades are used in jewelry:

• pink;
• golden;
• green;
• blue and others.

This allows you to replace the created crystal with other types of precious minerals.

Green cubic zirconia imitates emerald.

Physical and chemical properties

Cubic zirconia is an artificial gem obtained in a laboratory using a melt of zirconium dioxide. To add stability to the material, the chemical composition during the synthesis process is supplemented with oxides of calcium, manganese and yttrium. The result is a colorless, highly shiny crystal that looks like a diamond, is not fragile, less hard (7.5 versus 10 for a diamond), but more dense (6.5-10 versus 3.5 for a diamond).

The physical properties and low cost of cubic zirconia made it possible to use them in various areas of human life and activity - the chemical industry, medicine, dentistry and others.

Varieties and colors

Types of diamond analogues:

• colorless;
• colored.

The classic version is a colorless, transparent stone. Dyes are added to make it look like other precious gems. In this case, the colors of cubic zirconia are varied.

Table of main dyes:

Saturation depends on the mass of the dye. The larger the volume of the additional element, the deeper the color. Jewelers take advantage of the developments and create jewelry with artificial sapphires, garnets, amethysts, chrysolites, etc.

A ring with blue cubic zirconia looks like jewelry with an expensive sapphire.

If you purchase a product at a low price and the sellers claim that it is a jewel, be wary! Most likely, this is a skillful fake.

Meaning of zodiac signs

Some astrologers think that cubic zirconia is suitable for anyone due to its artificial origin and the lack of “its own face.” It will adapt to any zodiac sign. For the best effect, it is advisable to take into account the color:

• blue ones are more suitable for water signs;
• black, green - earthly;
• yellow - airy;
• red - fiery.

For example, according to the horoscope, it is better for Pisces to take cubic zirconia, which imitates a sapphire, and for Sagittarius, it is better to take one similar to a ruby. In this case, the stone will be more harmoniously combined with energy and act as a talisman.

If you need to change or soften some character traits, you should choose a different shade.

For example, irritable Aries need not the standard red, but green. It is believed that such a talisman will help them become calmer and more reasonable.

Medicinal properties

There is no consensus on the medicinal properties of the diamond analogue. Some magicians say that only natural stones have healing properties. Other lithotherapists believe that even a crystal imitating a precious gem is endowed with the same features as the original it replaces.

The following properties are attributed to white, colorless species:

• Absorbs negative energy, promotes healing of the body.
• Helps women during childbirth, has an analgesic effect.
• Eliminates depression and gives self-confidence.

White cubic zirconias help women in childbirth.

Lithotherapists recommend replacing the crystal with a new one after a long illness, since they have no doubt that the mineral absorbs negative energy and this negatively affects the owner.

Magic powers

People who understand esotericism claim that the diamond analogue is capable of returning energy to the owner, regardless of whether it is negative or positive. Related to this is the opinion of lithotherapists to change minerals after illness.

Based on the properties of the stone, magicians and sorcerers insist that it is better to purchase cubic zirconia in a good mood. The crystal will “remember” a positive attitude and will give it to the owner every time he is in a bad mood.

You cannot purchase jewelry from your own hands. It is already filled with the energy of the previous owner. There is a high risk that it will have a negative effect. Experts recommend purchasing amulets after first familiarizing yourself with the magical properties of cubic zirconia.

Cubic zirconia and the signs of the Zodiac

People are also interested in information about who is suitable for the cubic zirconia stone in accordance with the signs of the Zodiac.

This is a universal stone. Since the crystal is artificially produced, it is suitable for every representative.

When purchasing, pay attention to the color of the amulet stone. It is important. Crystals of blue (cyan) or black shades are suitable for representatives of the water element. Fire signs are advised to stick to bright, red minerals. For Capricorns, Virgos, Taurus - a talisman - a product with black or green crystals.

A ring with black cubic zirconia is a suitable talisman for Capricorns, Virgos, and Taurus.

Amulets with yellow species are popular. This shade is suitable for all representatives of the zodiac signs. If you are not purchasing a talisman for yourself and do not know what color to choose, choose this option.

Let's find out what effect an amulet with an artificial crystal has on different representatives of the zodiac signs:

• The Aries talisman makes you more reasonable and helps you cope with impulsive actions.
• Taurus will be protected from false illusions and will maintain the balance of energy forces.
• Gemini prudence and eliminate excessive talkativeness, which interferes with achieving goals.
• For Cancers , such an amulet is a guarantee of love.
• In Leo, it minimizes actions associated with a hot temper. Helps in career and family matters.
• Virgos to establish contact with others.
• The amulet will reveal the creative potential of Libra .
• The stone absorbs the negative energy of Scorpios . These signs tend to accumulate it.
• Sagittarians will reach the peak of career growth if they wear such a talisman.
• Capricorns will experience financial well-being; cubic zirconia will help them find stability.
• For Aquarius, the amulet will become a faithful assistant in establishing relationships and will tame an obstinate temperament.
• Pisces practical and will sharpen their innate intuition.

In Pisces, cubic zirconia will sharpen innate intuition.

It becomes clear that there are no people for whom the analogue of jewelry as a talisman is contraindicated. But the meaning of the amulet directly depends on the color.

Magical properties of cubic zirconia

Cubic zirconia is a dual crystal that divides the opinions of psychics. Some consider it a “fake” and a “dummy”, arguing that the stone is born in a laboratory and does not absorb natural energy.

Other mystics are confident in the presence of magical abilities received from the natural progenitor and the energy that feeds the stone during the process of synthesis. In their opinion, cubic zirconia is capable of:

1. Calm a person, relieve anxiety, irritability and outbursts of anger.
2. Give a craving for new knowledge and discoveries.
3. Protect from all sorts of harmful influences from the outside, both magical and completely human in nature.
4. Bring back the owner's joy and desire to live.
5. Make its owner happy and satisfied.

How a stone will affect a person largely depends on their personal compatibility. When choosing a product with cubic zirconia, you should evaluate your own feelings, which should be positive.

Compatibility with other stones

It is known that the magical properties of stones are revealed more strongly when combined with other gems. We are dealing with an artificial analogue of diamond. The duplicate is able to “adapt” to its “neighbor” and enhance its properties. The crystal gets along with any precious or semi-precious stone and reveals its mystical properties.

Earrings with garnet and cubic zirconia.

How to spot a fake

Although zirconite is relatively cheap, it is often counterfeited. The imitation is made of glass and plastic.

Cubic zirconia and imitations

It is not difficult to identify a fake - such specimens do not have a characteristic shine, are not transparent enough and do not refract light. If you look through the fake stone, you can see something; it is impossible to see behind cubic zirconia.

Diamond and cubic zirconia

Zirconite – artificial diamond; it is sometimes used as a fake.

Simulation indicators:

• An impeccable structure indicates a laboratory product. Internal defects occur only in natural gemstones.
• Fragility is a sign of a laboratory sample. Diamond is hard, it is extremely difficult to scratch or destroy it.
• The smoothness of the edge is an indication of cubic zirconia. The edges of the diamond are sharp.
• Cheap frames are only allowed in artificial materials.
• Cubic zirconia is lighter than diamond. Diamond is almost twice as heavy.
• Good thermal insulation is a sign of artificiality. Natural mineral dissipates heat; condensation from its surface evaporates almost instantly. Moisture remains on the laboratory specimen for a long time.
• Shine and transparency are signs of imitation. A diamond does not sparkle as much due to inclusions.

Imitation diamond

How to distinguish cubic zirconia from a diamond

Transparent cubic zirconia is passed off as a diamond. People who are far from the jewelry business often make the mistake of buying an analogue for the price of a cut diamond.

We recommend purchasing jewelry with a talisman stone accompanied by a jeweler-appraiser. This will help avoid being scammed.

There are also criteria that can be used to distinguish a false diamond from a real one.

1. Breathe on the mineral. The diamond will remain transparent, the analogue will fade.
2. Drop vegetable oil onto the gem. On a diamond, the drop will retain its shape, but on an imitation it will spread.
3. Natural stone always contains inclusions. An artificially grown representative is transparently pure, there are no inclusions.
4. Mathematicians will also cope with the task. Count the number of edges. A cut diamond has at least 57 of them. The analogue has fewer edges.

How to distinguish cubic zirconia from a fake

This is an artificial mineral that is affordable. But lately it has been counterfeited. Glasses or Swarovski crystals are often passed off as specimens created by scientists.

1. A real diamond analogue has a pronounced shine. On a fake it is muted.
2. Be wary if you purchase a large, sparkling mineral that is passed off as cubic zirconia. These crystals rarely exceed 2 centimeters in size.
3. Artificially produced crystals reflect the sun's rays, making it impossible to see anything through them, whereas through glass you can easily notice the outlines of objects.

Real cubic zirconia has a pronounced shine.

Care instructions

In order for a cubic zirconia product to look beautiful and retain its original appearance longer, it needs proper and timely care. If you do not do this, the stone will begin to darken over time and lose its shine.

It is best to periodically remove artificial mineral jewelry and wipe it with a soft cloth. If the stone has become dull, it can be washed in a light soap solution. If the gem has become heavily soiled, it can be cleaned with ammonia. To do this, alcohol is diluted in water and the decoration is left in the prepared solution for 12 hours. After this, it is washed in running water.

It is also important to ensure that the gem comes into contact with household chemicals and cosmetics as little as possible. Because this changes its properties and loses its original appearance. To clean cubic zirconia, you can purchase special products that are sold in stores or take the product to a jewelry workshop.

to store cubic zirconia jewelry separately from other products. To do this, you can purchase a special case and it is advisable that as little sunlight as possible falls on the stone, since this may change the color of the crystal itself. The gem should be protected from mechanical stress, scratches and falls, and jewelry should be removed when doing housework.

Products made from cubic zirconia are very popular and in demand, and if you care for them properly, they will look just as impressive as jewelry made from natural stones. They will only cost their owner less.

Jewelry with cubic zirconia

Jewelry is in great demand among both men and women. Cubic zirconia accessories are more affordable than jewelry items, but they also look presentable. Products with an analogue of a diamond allow fashionistas to feel at their best while saving on their budget.

Currently, jewelers make all types of jewelry with cubic zirconia inserts:

• earrings;
• rings;
• bracelets;
• pendants;
• pendants.

Jewelers make all types of jewelry with cubic zirconia, including pendants.

Sparkling earrings, complemented by a ring and a necklace, will make every woman an irresistible beauty. Please note that it is impossible to distinguish a fake with the naked eye. Colored analogues replace other types of precious gems. Women and men will choose the option of the desired product. Green artificial stones imitate emeralds, red ones imitate garnets, and blue ones imitate sapphires.

Price

The price depends on the metal used for the frame and its weight. The color of the crystal also affects the cost. A silver ring decorated with an imitation diamond can be purchased for 1,700 rubles; gold will cost more and such an accessory will cost from 7 to 12 thousand.

Note that transparent crystals are an excellent insert for white gold products. Earrings, as a rule, cost a little more than rings. Pendants are affordable jewelry. The cost ranges from 1000-4000 rubles.

Cubic zirconia production

To produce cubic zirconia, it is necessary to melt the raw material (zirconium oxide), but the melting point of this substance is 2700°C; no refractory material can withstand such heat: it begins to melt or react with the raw material. Therefore, the raw material itself serves as a container for melting. Using copper tubes and water, I keep the temperature of the outer surface of the zirconium oxide equal to room temperature, and the center is heated to the desired 2700 °C. In this way, the molten substance is surrounded by a solid shell of the same zirconium oxide; in metallurgy, such a shell is called a “scull”.

Using a high-frequency generator, energy is supplied through an inductor to the center of the raw material until all the substance is melted, with the exception of thin walls, which are cooled to room temperature. To maintain the homogeneity of the medium, the mixture is kept molten for several hours, then the energy power is gradually reduced and crystallization begins.

After complete cooling, short-columnar crystals appear in order to prepare them for cutting, stress is relieved by annealing. The first crystals were up to 2 cm in size, but today manufacturers are able to create mono crystals weighing up to 4 kg. Standard cubic zirconia is colorless, but today they can produce crystals of various colors, which makes it possible to create an imitation of natural stones. To create a color during melting, a base substance is added: for yellow color - copper, brown - titanium, pink - erbium, green chrome, etc. Today there are more than 20 colors, 2-color crystals or imitation alexandrite are also possible.

How to wear

You can wear such jewelry at any age. Products with crystals do not look like jewelry, so the accessories are suitable for older people. Women of middle age and older, as a rule, consider it unacceptable to wear jewelry, including Swarovski crystals, but this does not apply to cubic zirconia jewelry.

The decorations look decent both during the day and at night. A modest product will highlight the beauty and refined taste of a woman at work and turn her into a luxurious lady in the evening.

Earrings with cubic zirconia look appropriate during the day and turn into a luxurious accessory in the evening.

Pay attention to the frame. Middle-aged and older people should take a closer look at jewelry made of precious metal, while young people can also use alloys (jewelry steel).

Men look impressive and personable when they wear platinum accessories with black looks. This is a good choice of jewelry for the stronger sex.