In the gem & jewellery trade, there is confusion amongst the words Zircon, Zirconium and Cubic Zirconia. Most of you have heard these terms being used interchangeably. Let me give you a brief on these items:
Zircon: This is a natural gemstone made up of Crystalline Zirconium Silicate (ZrSiO4). It is lookalike of diamond especially when it is colourless. As the only worthwhile gemstone with a tetragonal crystalline structure, Zircon has a unique feature. Even a smaller stone weighs more than its size due to high density. Nevertheless, it is not a tough stone and could break or crack on its edges. The entire family of Zircon in rainbow colours flash an inviting look with a high degree of brilliance and fire. Zircon is a biblical gem with a name tag of Ligure. Its origin is traced to Ancient Persia where it was called as “Zargun” which means golden coloured. There are other names as well in the market place. Hyacinth refers to stones with a blend of red with yellow or brown hues. Colourless to light yellow goes as Jargon.
Zirconium: Unless in the case of Zircon gemstone, Zirconium is a metal obtained by purifying Zirconium Silicate with chlorine, an inexpensive process that makes the white metal fairly cheaper in price. However, the same Zirconium in black colour costs more due to the anodization process that is required to transform the colour. Lustrous Zirconium in whatever the colour it is, known to be soft, ductile and malleable and could be at ease like the metal Palladium. By the way, both these metals rank 5 in the Moh’s Hardness Scale. Zirconium is hypoallergenic meaning that it does not cause any allergy to the wearer. This has led zirconium to figure in, in jewellery articles and dental implants amongst many of its applications. Its melting point of 1852o Celsius/3365o F makes it a darling for jewellers who can work exquisite designs on it.
Cubic Zirconia: Contrary to the above two items Cubic Zirconia (CZ) is a manmade substance rendered in crystalline form, from Zirconium Dioxide (ZrO2). An oxide is added to make this in cubic form. Hence, the name Cubic Zirconia is given. It is sold as diamond. You must understand that it is not natural gemstone but a synthetic one made in laboratories. Although generally produced in colourless state as diamond stimulant, CZ can be turned out in bright rainbow colours by adding different chemical elements. It is too brilliant and does not have any cleavage due to its artificial nature. CZ ranks 8 on Moh’s Scale of hardness. Cubic Zirconia is set on jewellery such as necklace, earring, bracelet and ring. Only trained eye can detect that it is a fake diamond.
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