cubic Simulant diamond simulant
Cubic Zirconia (Faceted (Brilliant Cut))
ZrO2 (stabilised with Y2O3 or CaO)
Crystal Structure
#! Species: Cubic Zirconia
#! System: Cubic (m3m)
#! Habit: Fluorite-type octahedron modified by cube
cubic[m3m]:{111}@1.0 + {100}@0.8
cubic
m3m
{111} {100}
Quick Facts
Hardness
8.0
Specific Gravity
5.65
Refractive Index
2.15
Optical Character
Isotropic
Physical Properties
Crystal Systemcubic
Hardness (Mohs)8.0
Specific Gravity5.65
CleavageNone
FractureConchoidal
LustreAdamantine to sub-adamantine
Optical Properties
Refractive Index2.15
Optical CharacterIsotropic
Dispersion0.06
FluorescenceVariable, often yellowish-green (LW UV)
Origin & Identification
OriginSimulant
Growth MethodSkull Melting
First Produced1976
Diagnostic FeaturesHigher SG than diamond (5.65-5.95 vs 3.52), lower hardness (8-8.5), higher dispersion (0.060 vs 0.044), singly refractive, thermal probe reads non-diamond, orange flash under crossed filters
Colours
ColourlessAll colours (by doping)
Common Inclusions
Gas bubblesZirconium oxide crystals
Natural Counterpart
The natural gem this simulant imitates
Related Minerals
Other minerals in the cubic system
