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Now In: Cubic Zirconia Sterling Silver Jewelry Provides a Diamond-Like Look
CZ's are a diamond simulation in that they are manufactured with the purpose to look and appear similar to a diamond. They have been very successful since their introduction into the mainstream jewelry market in 1976 but how do the physical characteristics of a cubic zirconia measure up to a diamond?
Components: CZ...zirconium oxide and yttrium oxide DIAMOND...Carbon
Mode of Formation : CZ...laboratory. DIAMOND...under intense heat and pressure within the earth
Hardness: CZ...8.5. DIAMOND...10 (this is the hardest substance on earth)
Specific Gravity: CZ...5.65-5.95. DIAMOND...3.52
Fire (or liveliness): CZ...has less than a diamond. DIAMOND...has more than a CZ
Crystal System: CZ...Isometric. DIAMOND...Cubic
Brilliance (flashes of rainbow colors): CZ... has more than diamonds. DIAMOND has less than cz's
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