A little of the history of Cubic Zirconia
  • Discovered in 1892, as a yellowish mineral baddeleyite (its natural form)
  • It has an extremely high melting point of 2750 C (or 4976 F) making it difficult for production as there did not exist a crucible (container) which could meet this temperature. Early attempts were in about 1930.
  • German pioneers Stackelberg and Chuboba discovered naturally occuring zirconia
  • Production of synthetic zirconia was a result of scientists seeking materials for use in lasers. One of the most known, the YAG (yttrium aluminium garnet).
  • The Frenchmen Roulin & Collongues did research in the 1960 for producing of zirconia.
  • Soviet scientists in Moscow perfected the technique named skull crucible to begin commercial production which began in earnest about 1976.
  • By 1980 the annual global production had reached about 50 million carats.
  • How does it differ from a diamond - in laymen's terms?
    • Hardness of a diamond is 10 (mohs) and for CZ 8
    • Flaws: CZ if virtually flawless, whereas diamons have flaws
    • Color: CZ is produced in many colors - diamonds have less colors
    • Cost is the huge difference - it's affordable.
  • In the 1980s Swarovski began producing CZ as well - making it a staple in the costume jewelry industry.
  • Note that the colors of the CZ are different in daylight and in indoor lighting. (Another easy way to tell from a diamond!)
A Color Chart of the standard Cubic Zirconia colors. More are being produced and like the Swarovski, special colors are being applied after production.
Colors Chart Standard Cubic Zirconia Colors
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