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
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Open in PlaygroundPhysical 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
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Open in PlaygroundNatural Counterpart
The natural gem this simulant imitates
Related Minerals
Other minerals in the cubic system
