Zirconia is perhaps one of the most popular crystals used in jewelry. In fact, zirconia stone is a precious synthetic crystal obtained under artificial conditions. It is not inferior in beauty to many natural gems, but the price of it is much lower.
The tint that a zirconia stone can radiate is determined by its chemical composition. In the experiments that took place in the USSR in 1960, scientists tried to create a crystal with certain properties in order to apply it in industry and technical innovations. But it turned out that the cubic zirconia obtained experimentally (stone, photo of which is higher) was loved by connoisseurs of brilliant jewelry. In its composition, absolutely all cubic zirconias are zirconium dioxide. Special processing allows you to get a high level of refraction of the beam, very similar to diamond. That is why it turns out a kind of play of light in daylight and artificial radiation.
This property is sometimes confusing for customers who believe that cubic zirconia is a gem. In its external characteristics, it can really compete with natural precious minerals. It is especially interesting to watch the play of light in ultraviolet rays. Artificially bred zirconia stone sparkles with bright blue, yellow, purple and other shades.
Of particular note is the name of the crystal. It is named after the research institution in which the first samples were received - the Physical Institute of the Academy of Sciences (LPI).
To date, several methods are known for producing precious cubic zirconias. The most common is the crystallization method. A special composition is immersed in the container, which is heated to a colossal temperature of 3000 degrees. Then it is cooled rapidly, as a result of which crystals are synthesized on the rods of the container. Depending on the additives in the alloy, various shades can be obtained. Thanks to this method, cubic zirconia stone is often used to imitate topazes, blue sapphires, rubies, green chrysolites and purple amethysts.
Undoubtedly, the production of artificial stones is a very expensive enterprise, but it is several times more economical than starting a search for new deposits of diamonds, corundums and other valuable breeds. That is why the cubic zirconia stone will remain in demand for a long time. Its popularity is simply explained: many people want to buy a diamond jewelry, but not everyone can afford it. And elegant cubic zirconias with no less bright shine and a variety of shades are available to a wide audience. Modern technology allows you to create real masterpieces using this "zirconium cube."
In addition, a valuable crystal is in demand in the chemical industry, electronics, and precision engineering. It is an excellent insulator at low and medium temperatures. And it becomes a conductive material when heated above 300 degrees. Processing this stone is not easy. Due to the fragility of the structure, it often crumbles. To reduce brittleness, sections of the edges are slightly rounded.