A diamond is called a specially processed natural mineral (diamond), consisting mainly of carbon molecules. That is, in chemical composition it is similar to ordinary soot, but, due to the special structure of the crystal lattice, it acquires a unique (one might even say bewitching) brilliance when cut.
Mankind has known this stone since ancient times, and throughout the entire time of its extraction and use it was accompanied by the most mysterious legends and endowed with extraordinary properties. Now, when people have learned to create artificial stones and on an industrial scale produce zirconium (aka zirconia), the value of a diamond has not become lower, but rather, on the contrary. For the right to own
large diamonds , terrible crimes are being committed, right up to mass killings. And hardly there is at least one lady in the world who would not agree to accept jewelry with these amazing minerals.
In jewelry, diamond and cubic zirconia are now used almost on equal terms. Undoubtedly, products with natural diamonds are much more expensive, so not everyone can afford it. And everyone wants to wear beautiful earrings or pendants, regardless of their financial situation, and therefore cheaper zirconium is almost always found in silver products, and more often in gold. How to distinguish cubic zirconias from diamonds by external signs, many do not know, and therefore do not try to do this when buying. In fact, these two materials have such similar refractive indices that even experienced jewelers can confuse them during the initial inspection. The difference between a diamond and cubic zirconia consists, first of all, in its chemical composition. In addition, diamond is one of the hardest natural materials on earth (which cannot be said about cubic zirconia). Many physical parameters of a diamond (density, thermal conductivity) also differ significantly from similar parameters of zircon. Therefore, the question of how to distinguish cubic zirconias from diamonds in laboratory conditions does not arise.
But do not run away every time you buy jewelry in a specialized laboratory! Experts say that it is almost impossible for an average person to distinguish one stone from another, especially if it is small. To confirm the authenticity of diamonds, each product usually has a certificate or passport that indicates the quality of the mineral, its purity, and authenticity is confirmed.
The only way to distinguish cubic zirconias from diamonds by their appearance is by faceting. And then this method only works when the stones are large enough. In cubic zirconia, the edges may be slightly rounded (which a diamond simply cannot have). So, with minimal doubt on this account, it is better to refuse the purchase.
Although there are still several methods for distinguishing cubic zirconias from diamonds, you should not really rely on them. Some jewelers recommend breathing on a stone (diamonds do not fog up). Others - hold them on the glass (from the diamond on the glass surface there will be a trace, but he himself will not suffer a drop). But in the jewelry store, the buyer is unlikely to be allowed to do all these manipulations, so it’s better not to experiment, but to buy expensive products from trusted sellers with an impeccable reputation.