Features, properties and applications of cubic zirconia

Zirconia is an artificially grown crystal and resembles a cut diamond in appearance. It is actively used in the manufacture of jewelry and is appreciated by lovers of exquisite jewelry. The high popularity of the stone is due to its strong resemblance to a diamond and a fairly affordable price. In addition to jewelers, cubic zirconia is widely used by manufacturers of optical devices, as well as dentists, who use it as one of the main materials for dental spraying.

The question of whether cubic zirconia is a gemstone is of concern to many, and in order to answer it, you need to familiarize yourself with the history of its creation and the chemical composition. So, cubic zirconia was developed in the Soviet Union back in 1968 with the participation of scientists from the Physical Institute of the Academy of Sciences. Lebedev, abbreviated LPI. It is this abbreviation that gave the name to the new crystal obtained by physicists as a result of work to improve the refraction of the laser beam.

The result of the work of scientists was a beautiful stone, very naturally imitating a diamond and subsequently became one of the most popular artificially created crystals used in jewelry.

However, a strong resemblance to the precious mineral gave rise to numerous fraudulent schemes and caused a rather biased attitude towards cubic zirconia in the jewelry market.So, in the early 70s, the appearance of a penny copy of the diamond provoked a panic among foreign manufacturers and a negative attitude to the development of Soviet scientists, which, in turn, led to great disappointment for the creators who developed the crystal for completely different purposes.

But over time, the hype around the crystal died down and large foreign companies themselves began to produce artificial diamond.

Since the beginning of the 90s, the synthesized mineral has become very popular, in some years the total weight of all crystals produced in the world reached 50 million carats. Today, production volumes are steadily growing, providing true connoisseurs of beauty with exquisite and inexpensive products, which in their appearance are in no way inferior to products with real diamonds.

In addition to diamonds, cubic zirconia is often mistaken for Swarovski crystals, which are a patented type of crystal and have nothing to do with the development of Soviet scientists. And thanks to the possibility of staining in different colors, the stone successfully replaces topazes, sapphires and garnets. Moreover, many jewelry lovers who know a lot about this issue, and do consciously choose cubic zirconia. This is due to the processing technology of crystals and the fact that artificial stones are suitable for applying any, even the most complex and intricate cut, while natural minerals are processed much harder and cannot boast a wide variety of ornate shapes.

Zirconia is an unstable high-temperature cubic modification of zirconium dioxide ZrO2 and contains additives of oxides of manganese, calcium and yttrium. Due to the refractive index of light, which is 2.15-2.25 units, and close to the same indicator of diamond, equal to 2,417-2,419 units, cubic zirconia is very difficult to visually distinguish from a precious mineral.

The crystal does not have a stable chemical formula, which is explained by the content in its composition of certain additives used depending on the properties that are planned to be obtained. The stone has a diamond sheen, uneven fracture and is characterized by the absence of cleavage.

Zirconia itself is colorless, therefore to give crystals the desired color, they are dyed with transition and rare earth elements. This happens during the manufacturing of the mineral, the crystallization of which is carried out in laboratory conditions using the technology of cooling the melts, in which the crystallization rate is from 8 to 10 mm / h.

Oxides of metals such as cerium, which gives yellow, red and orange cubic zirconia, chromium, which gives a deep green color, neodymium and erbium, which dye crystals in purple and pink, respectively, and titanium, which gives a golden brown hue, are used as dyes. .

In its physical properties, cubic zirconia is also similar to a diamond. For example, the hardness of an artificial crystal on the Mohs scale varies from 7.5 to 8.5 units, while the same indicator for a diamond is 10 units.

The density of stones is also not very different, and is 3.5 g / cm3 for diamond and about 6.5 g / cm3 for cubic zirconia. As for the index of refraction of light, both the diamond and its non-precious analogue are almost identical and amount to 2.4 and 2.25 units, respectively. But the weight of the artificial crystal, on the contrary, is significantly different from the weight of diamond and exceeds it by almost 60%.

The high popularity of cubic zirconia and its ability to masterfully imitate a number of precious expensive minerals is due to the ability of the crystal to stain in different shades and good color fastness. Black and green stones are in special demand. Next in popularity is blue, as an option - blue, red, pink and purple colors, which also look great in jewelry and impress owners with an even and deep shine.

Very unusual look crystals of lilac color, as well as golden brown and purple. By the way, when a stone is heated to very high temperatures, it loses its transparency and becomes like a white pearl or black diamond.

Moreover, thanks to the use of modern technologies, experts have learned to synthesize stone with a color change - an effect characteristic of a rare and expensive alexandrite. Also, cubic zirconia crystals come in turquoise, cognac and soft yellow shades, and in all, scientists have learned to produce cubic zirconia in more than 20 colors.

The most unusual and expensive are minerals of the blue-green spectrum, which at the moment are made only at enterprises in Russia and the United States. Jewelry with cubic zirconia of this color look very expensive and noble and are very popular among fashionistas. However, it should be noted that scientists cannot yet get a natural emerald hue, and all attempts end in the production of crystals that are more like chrysolite in color.

Due to many positive properties and relatively low production costs, cubic zirconia is actively used in various fields of human activity. So, there is an opinion about the healing properties of an artificial mineral, which, according to such statements, increases the general tone of the body, improves cellular metabolism and promotes the positive work of various organs. However, there are many skeptics in this matter.

In addition to use in jewelry, zirconia is often chosen as a raw material in the production of microscalpels. This is due to the high hardness of the material, its heat resistance and low cost. In addition, the crystal is used as one of the components in the application of ceramic spraying in the dental industry.

However, the greatest number of disputes is the expediency of using cubic zirconia in magic. The main difference between synthesized crystals and natural stones is their energy “sterility”. Artificial stones do not carry any energy in themselves - neither negatively charged, nor positive. However, many energy experts argue that due to the absence of cracks and defects, and also due to the absolute transparency of the crystals, cubic zirconia can be considered as the purest vessel, which is filled with the energy of its owner.

So, one of the important characteristics of cubic zirconia is considered his ability to “remember” a series of events, thoughts and emotions, which is why he can very well be used as a talisman. The main thing in this matter is to ask the stone the right message and endow it with exclusively positive energy. To do this, it is recommended to wear jewelry with a stone when performing vital events, during moments of great emotional recovery, a state of happiness and peace of mind.

If the cubic zirconia was donated and for some time was with another person, then it must be placed in a container with clean spring water or held above the flame. It is believed that in this way it is possible to clean the stone from someone else's energy and make it suitable for further use as an amulet or amulets.

When using cubic zirconia as a decoration an important issue for many is its compatibility with other precious and semiprecious stones. In this regard, it is necessary to reassure all the owners of this beautiful stone: the crystal is combined absolutely with all natural minerals, moreover, it is considered 0 that it is even able to enhance their energetic natural effect and strength.

Visually, the crystal looks very harmonious with topaz, amethyst, citrine and pomegranate, and only emphasizes their bright radiance and nobleness. As for the metal frame, cubic zirconia looks beautiful in gold, silver and platinum frames, favorably shading the central gem and giving the product high artistic value.

People involved in working with energies are sure that cubic zirconia suits absolutely everyone, the main thing is that before putting on the jewelry, the crystal is absolutely “clean”, and subsequently correctly “charged”. Astrologers hold a somewhat different opinion, who believe that for each zodiac sign there is a different color of cubic zirconia, which determines the usefulness of the stone for a particular person.

So, the signs of the fire element - Aries, Leo and Sagittarius, it is recommended to acquire yellow, orange and red crystals that most accurately reflect their energy potential. Signs of the earthly elements - Virgo, Taurus and Capricorn, it is advisable to opt for light yellow, cognac or golden cubic zirconias, reminiscent of the earth in its shade.

To air signs - Aquarius, Libra and Gemini, it is recommended to purchase a transparent or pale pink cubic zirconia. And for the signs of water - Crayfish, Scorpions and Pisces, blue and blue shades are best suited.

Moreover, astrologers are sure that cubic zirconia affects the life of each zodiac sign in different ways and give a number of recommendations on this subject.

• Aquarius stone will help to achieve success in communicating with people and learning. And for girls born under this sign, it is advisable to purchase cubic zirconia in a platinum or silver frame.
• Pisces a small ring or earrings with cubic zirconia will help protect against damage and the evil eye. Moreover, a crystal is able to attract money, and its owner has a chance to develop good intuition.
• Aries by nature, they are often too hot-tempered, and cubic zirconia is able to moderate their ardor a little and make its owner a little calmer. Moreover, the crystal has the most positive effect on Aries intelligence and stimulates its brain activity.
• Taurushaving a mild disposition and complaisant character, will gain confidence in their abilities and become a little more determined. Moreover, cubic zirconia often acts as a “charger” for this sign, fueling it with stored energy during periods when it is necessary.
• Twins Wearing cubic zirconia will help to get rid of excessive talkativeness and give them a working mood. The most suitable crystals for them are black and transparent specimens.Moreover, violet cubic zirconia often acts as a daily substitute for amethyst - Gemini stone.
• Cancer wearing artificial diamond will give confidence on the love front and will serve as an excellent stimulator of mental activity. Moreover, Crayfish are the most sensitive sign of the Zodiac and more often than others need a powerful energy supplement coming from cubic zirconia.
• Lions, like all fire signs, are often prone to short bursts of anger, which cubic zirconia helps to smooth out. People of this sign are recommended to wear jewelry with a crystal in a gold frame, as well as combine them with rubies and garnets.
• Virgin, as one of the most complex signs of the zodiac, they can wear jewelry with cubic zirconia to somewhat soften the sharp corners of their character and emphasize their positive qualities - pragmatism and accuracy. Such people are well suited for green, white and lavender stones, which will help them in time to reveal the insincerity of the partner and not be mistaken in his choice.
• Weights wearing products with cubic zirconia will help calm the nervous system and maintain peace of mind even in the most difficult situations. Moreover, the crystal helps to improve mood, unlock the true potential and ensures success on the love front. The exception is people born from October 14 to October 23, since on the recommendation of astrologers they should only wear natural stones.
• Scorpions Mars is considered the patron saint, it is necessary to wear a dark red cubic zirconia, which will help them get rid of the negative accumulated during the day and will serve as a deterrent to their excessive emotionality. Moreover, if it is possible to purchase a crystal with the effect of a color change, which has a very strong energy, then this will be the best option for people of this sign. Stones help Scorpions achieve success in love, and also have a beneficial effect on the psycho-emotional background.
• Sagittarius Wearing cubic zirconia will help to unleash creativity and will help to open new horizons. In addition, the crystal stimulates brain activity and helps in learning.
• Capricorn jewelry with cubic zirconia will help restore peace in the family and achieve mutual understanding with others. It is also believed that wearing a crystal will help to cope with monetary difficulties and resolve old problems.

To distinguish cubic zirconia from glass is quite simple, you do not need to be a jeweler or conduct a chemical analysis of the material. To do this, you only need to take a good look at the appearance of the crystal and pay attention to its brilliance. So, it will be dimmer in glass, while cubic zirconia has a beautiful and even shine, comparable only to the deep shine of a natural diamond.

It is also easy to distinguish a natural diamond from cubic zirconia, and this can be done by a number of external signs. Thus, the edges of an artificial crystal facet are quite rounded, while the diamond facet has clear and pointed edges. Therefore, when holding a sharp edge along the mirror surface, cubic zirconia will only slightly scratch it, while diamond will simply cut it. Moreover, due to the increased density cubic zirconia is much heavier than diamond, and under the influence of ultraviolet rays less transparent than a diamond.

Another sure way to distinguish natural from artificial stone is to check the temperature of the mineral after it is briefly in the hands. The diamond will remain cold to the touch, while the cubic zirconia will heat up. Also, with prolonged wear, the artificial mineral quickly dims and requires cleaning, while the diamond can be worn for any length of time and will look like brand new.

And the last difference is as follows: breathing on cubic zirconia leads to the formation of condensate, but this does not happen with a diamond.

Caring for cubic zirconia is quite simple and includes a number of mandatory procedures.

1. From time to time, it is recommended to polish the crystal with a soft cloth, regardless of whether the product has lost its shine or not, and also wipe it with a damp cloth.
2. With strong tarnishing of the artificial mineral, it is necessary to prepare a warm soapy solution and thoroughly clean the product.
3. Zirconia does not tolerate the effects of household chemicals, including chlorine and cosmetics, so their contact with the product is extremely undesirable.
4. Like any other artificially synthesized stone, cubic zirconia does not tolerate falls on a solid surface.
5. When doing homework, a ring with cubic zirconia is better to remove.
6. Storage of products should be carried out in a closed case. This will protect them from accidental damage and extend their life.

The average cost of a stone weighing three carats is about 600-800 rubles apiece. However, the price of crystals depends on many factors, such as color, type of cut, size of the crystal, quality of the frame and the manufacturing company of the decoration.

• So, the most expensive are stones that imitate ruby, sapphire, emerald or blue topaz. The high cost of the latter is explained by the complexity of the synthesis of blue and green shades, therefore, the price of such crystals is 2-3 times higher than the average.
• The method of cutting also affects the final cost of jewelry with cubic zirconia, and in this case it is completely determined by the jeweler. The stone can be shaped into shapes of varying complexity - drops, hearts or polygons with different numbers of faces.
• A variety of materials are used as frames for cubic zirconia, the most expensive of which is gold. For example, a not too wide ring decorated with a large crystal of zirconia will cost 6 thousand rubles, while a product of the same size, but encrusted with loose stones, will cost 9-12 thousand rubles, and a wide solid ring with imitation ruby or alexandrite can cost 20 or more thousand rubles.

For how zirconia is produced, see the next video.