NextPrevious

Minerals, Metals, and Other Materials

Rocks and Minerals

What is the difference between cubic zirconium and diamonds?

Cubic zirconium is a gemstone material that is an imitation of diamonds. The word “imitation” is key. The U.S. Federal Trade Commission defines imitation materials as resembling the natural material in appearance only. Cubic zirconia may be cut the same way as diamonds. It is very dense and solid, weighing 1.7 times more than a diamond of the same millimeter size.



Close

This is a web preview of the "The Handy Science Answer Book" app. Many features only work on your mobile device. If you like what you see, we hope you will consider buying. Get the App