We've all heard about cubic zirconia; maybe you or a friend or family member even own a piece of jewelry containing the semi-yellowish, monoclinic mineral baddeleyite form of the cubic zirconia oxide. But do you really know about cubic zirconia and where it comes from? Cubic zirconia (CZ) was found in 1892; however, CZ was rare and hard to find, so for a long time, it wasn't sought after and was considered to have little economic importance.
History and Formation of Cubic Zirconia
It was simply an oxide that existed naturally on our planet. In 1899, two German mineralogists discovered a different, naturally occurring form of Cz Stones: microscopic grains. This was the point at which cubic zirconia began to wider spread, but there was still only a limited amount of cubic zirconia for the ever-expanding market.
Decades later, in the 1960s, studies began regarding how to grow cubic zirconia stones in controlled situations. The earliest studies were in France, where two scientists performed studies trying to achieve single-crystal growth of the mineral. Later, a team of Soviet scientists perfected the technique of growing single-crystal CZ in a controlled situation.
This incredible breakthrough was published in the early 1970s, and the widespread production of CZ reached 10,000 kilograms by 1980. Currently, the market's desire for cubic zirconia is as strong as ever. This could be attributed to the mineral's 8.5 hardness just second to the lab created diamond. To the fact that CZ is very inexpensive yet beautiful.
Types of Zirconia Stones
There are mainly three types of zirconia stones are available.
One type of CZ, aaa cubic zirconia, has a quality that could easily match - or surpass - that of high quality, expensive diamonds. Due to this phenomenon, many who are in the market for engagement rings or other diamond jewelry turn to cubic zirconia for an equally gorgeous but less expensive solution.
The second type of CZ, Blue Cubic Zirconia is a very beautiful gemstone that you always want to add to your jewelry. There are many different colors, shapes, and sizes of cubic zirconia, so the consumer is always able to find exactly what fits their taste and style. CZ comes in many different colors including amethyst (purple), garnet (red), pink, aqua, lavender, champagne, white, citrine yellow, and more.
The third type CZ is white, which could easily be compared to a high-quality synthetic diamond. The consumer also has the opportunity to choose one of many different cuts of their cubic zirconia including shapes such as heart, octagon, oval, round, square, trillion (triangle), pear, and more. If you are in the market for some beautiful yet inexpensive gems, give the mineral cubic zirconia a try. Your jewelry will be gorgeous, durable, and coveted.
Price of Cubic Zirconia
A cubic zirconia price will retail for around $20 dollars if it is a one-carat hand-cut hand-polished. Whereas, the retail price for a one-carat diamond with color, passable cut, and clarity grades is $1500 dollars.
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