Why does cubic zirconia change color?

Cubic zirconia is an artificial mineral that is used as an imitation of precious stones in jewelry. Cubic zirconia is also popular in industry, especially in the chemical industry, where its high resistance to aggressive external environments and chemical influences is valued – all kinds of prisms and optical lenses are made from it, and it is also used in dentistry. Chemically, this stone is zirconium dioxide. Hence its official name in the industry: “cubic zirconia.” In another way, cubic zirconia is also called daimonskvay, jevalite or zirconite – these names are more popular in Western countries, where the word “cubic zirconia” is practically not used. The main thing is not to confuse zirconite with zircon or zirconium, since zircon is a completely different semi-precious stone of a yellow-brown color, and zirconium is a chemical element (metal). Cubic zirconia was named after the institution in which it was synthesized – at the Physical Institute of the USSR Academy of Sciences (FIAN). In 1968, at the time of the synthesis of cubic zirconia, scientists did not know the natural analogues of this stone, but the following year geologist Konev still discovered its natural modification. This stone was called Tazheranite because it was found in the Tazheran steppe, on Lake Baikal. For a long time, the USSR remained the only country supplying cubic zirconia, but today they are produced everywhere in the world. The amount of synthesized stones per year is more than a thousand tons. Despite the fact that Soviet physicists synthesized cubic zirconia for further use in the form of a crystal in laser systems, almost immediately after its appearance, jewelers began to actively use this stone as an artificial diamond. According to the latest data, 98% of all cubic zirconia produced goes specifically to the needs of jewelry. And this is no wonder, since the beauty of cubic zirconia and its amazing similarity to the most expensive precious stones are undeniable. Externally cut cubic zirconia and diamond are practically the same – their refractive indices and, accordingly, brilliance are so close. Sometimes even cubic zirconia surpasses some diamonds in the purity of the stone, because it is grown artificially. So you can safely replace a diamond ring with a cubic zirconia ring, and no one will notice the difference. You can distinguish stones only by contacting specialists: cubic zirconia and diamond have different thermal conductivities and densities, which are determined using laboratory tests. In addition, in faceted cubic zirconia, the edges are slightly rounded, which is not found in diamonds, and, of course, diamond is much harder than cubic zirconia. Cubic zirconia is not the only substitute for diamonds. This amazing stone is capable of imitating many famous gemstones. This ability is due to the fact that appropriate impurities can be added to the stone, changing its color and transparency. Thus, cerium oxide can give cubic zirconia a yellow, orange or red tint, making it an excellent analogue of citrine, topaz and garnet. Chromium oxide allows cubic zirconia to sparkle with all shades of green, resembling emerald. Additions of neodymium oxide transform cubic zirconia into artificial purple amethyst or corundum. The pink color is given to cubic zirconia by impurities of erbium oxide – with it it becomes a substitute for morganite or rubellite. Finally, by adding titanium oxide, scientists can create cubic zirconia that resembles golden spinel. The possibilities of cubic zirconia do not end there. Masters have already learned how to create cubic zirconias that imitate the rarest black diamonds – morions, as well as cubic zirconias that can change color depending on the lighting – a wonderful imitation of no less rare and expensive alexandrites. In the same way, artificial sapphires are created using various impurities. But not only transparent precious stones are successfully replaced by cubic zirconia – all colors of chalcedony and all shades of pearls are recreated on their basis, and the necessary additives change the degree of transparency of cubic zirconia to the desired level. Since cubic zirconia is a synthetic stone, its shape and type of cut are not limited to the boundaries set by nature. All known shapes of stones are also suitable for cubic zirconia – it, like the number of faces, depends only on the imagination of the jewelry maker. Although the creation of cubic zirconia requires high-tech laboratory conditions, its further cutting is much simpler compared to cutting natural stones. This is the reason for its lower cost. In addition, the number of deposits of natural precious stones on the planet decreases over time, the stones become more rare, which means their prices are rising. The opposite is true with artificial stones: over time, technologies for their synthesis are improved, which simplifies and reduces the cost of the production process. Considering all of the above about the brilliance, purity, variety of colors and affordable price of cubic zirconia, it is not at all surprising that this stone has long received universal recognition and wide distribution among master jewelers and their clients – jewelry connoisseurs. Jewelry with cubic zirconia will delight any woman, and even men will not be able to resist a laconic signet ring with black cubic zirconia. High-quality cubic zirconias are not inferior in beauty even to well-known diamonds from Swarovski. The world of precious stones is a colorful play of shades, hardness and bewitching brilliance, beauty and harmony, created by nature and honed by man. We hope you found this article informative and interesting. If you still have questions regarding cubic zirconia or purchasing products with cubic zirconia, our specialists are always ready to answer them. Our online jewelry store offers a wide range of gold and silver jewelry with cubic zirconia: rings, earrings, pendants and necklaces, earrings and bracelets, and for men – rings and signet rings. Follow the updates in our catalog and remember that with any questions you can always contact our consultants.

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Our managers will call you back and answer all your questions. The mesmerizing crystal purity and luxurious shine of faceted crystals will always captivate women. Any piece of jewelry complemented with such stones will be transformed and sparkle in a new way, enticing with a whimsical play of light on every facet. But what to do when diamond jewelry is unavailable – they are incredibly expensive! This is primarily due to the labor-intensive method of extracting natural diamonds. Fortunately for jewelry lovers, scientists have synthesized an artificial crystal, which in its decorative properties is in no way inferior to a luxurious diamond, and its cost is several times lower, since its production does not depend on the reserves of minerals on the planet. It was called cubic zirconia, and its appearance on world jewelry exchanges in the last century excited all connoisseurs of sparkling stones. Jewelry with cubic zirconia was then sold as diamond, before it was established that in fact this crystal was a product obtained by Soviet developers while working on the first laser. It must be said that a ring with cubic zirconia is really difficult to distinguish with the naked eye from the same ring with a diamond. The fact of counterfeiting can be absolutely verified only in laboratory conditions. For example, the weight of cubic zirconia is slightly greater than that of its natural relative, and the edges after cutting are rounded. The technology for producing cubic zirconia was adopted by jewelry craftsmen. It involves the use of high temperature, which affects the oxides of hafnium and zirconium and their simultaneous cooling. During the melting process, chemical impurities are added, which make it possible to obtain cubic zirconia in a wide range of colors and make copies of emeralds, rubies or sapphires. Foreign jewelers use another name for cubic zirconia – Cubic Zirconia. For us, the ring with cubic zirconia encrypts the birthplace of the stone – the Physical Institute of the USSR Academy of Sciences (FIAN). Very often the name of cubic zirconia is changed to zirconium or zircon. This is incorrect, since zircon and zirconium are completely two different natural minerals, which share with cubic zirconia a similarity to its chemical formula. Today, the jewelry industry is trying to change the technology of growing cubic zirconia in order to reduce its cost. For example, the Americans synthesize a crystal similar to cubic zirconia, called diamonesque, and the Swiss produce jevalide. But still, traditional Soviet technology is considered the most advanced. Thanks to its exact compliance, the famous Austrian company Swarovski AG managed to become a world leader in the creation and cutting of artificial stones. Although colorless cubic zirconia does not have a full diamond light shimmer, its properties are very close to it in terms of refraction, dispersion and density. It is not surprising that rings and earrings with cubic zirconia today have firmly occupied the budget sector of jewelry market sales. Gold jewelry with cubic zirconia will be elegant and laconic for ladies of all ages, and silver jewelry with cubic zirconia will be a universal gift for young girls. The selection of men’s jewelry is varied – rings, all kinds of cufflinks and clips with cubic zirconia will satisfy the preferences of even the most discerning gentlemen. There are no limits to the use of crystal – it is happily used in exclusive designer accessories – brooches, bracelets and pendants. The stone is often used in costume jewelry to contrast the color or transparency of the main insert, to imitate diamonds. A wide range allows you to find a harmonious gift for friends or choose your own option for a casual or evening look. The properties of cubic zirconia were appreciated not only by jewelers, but also by chemists and specialists working in the development of optical instruments – high-quality lenses and optical devices. The refractoriness and stability of the crystal in aggressive environments made it possible to use it in conditions of any complexity and in medicine. Esotericists and astrologers did not stand aside. They associated it with the patronage of people who were born under the sign of Aries and the amulet of scientists. Although cubic zirconia is not as durable as diamond, compared to other gems and crystals it is much more durable in use. But still, jewelry with cubic zirconia should be stored in soft cases, systematically removing them from dust and grease, which spoil the appearance and effect of the product. Jewelry with cubic zirconia should be wiped with soft flannel and occasionally given warm water treatments with soap. Pesticides, chlorine bleaches and some cosmetics have a detrimental effect on the crystal. Therefore, before homework and skin care procedures, it is advisable to remove all jewelry with cubic zirconia. For lovers of all things natural, it may seem unnecessary to create what nature has already created. On the other hand, millions of women are grateful to scientists for the stone, which captivated them with the beauty and sophistication of a diamond and, at the same time, made this radiance accessible to any potential buyer. Publication Date: 17.01.2012