[Jewelry making - Article 00552] - Re: [Orchid] Trivia - Zircon is not cubic zirconia

[Karen Bahr]

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Hi Craig

    I have often had to explain this to my clients. 

    Zircon is ZrSiO4, Zirconium Silicate 

    "Zircons reputation has suffered of late due to the introduction of
    a diamond simulant. So for the record, zircon is NOT the same
    material as the artificial gem material Cubic Zirconia (or CZ).
    However with that in mind, zircon has been used as a diamond simulant
    both for innocent and nefarious reasons. Zircon resembles diamond in
    luster and fire and colorless zircons have been mistaken for diamonds
    by experienced jewelers. Zircon can make a very attractive and
    affordable gemstone. It is found in browns and greens but can be heat
    treated to beautiful blue and golden colors. Colorless material is
    produced in this way as well. Zircon is the December Birthstone." For
    more info (the rest of this quote) go to

    http://mineral.galleries.com/minerals/silicate/zircon/zircon.htm 

    "Cubic zirconia (or CZ) is zirconium oxide (ZrO2), a mineral that is
    extremely rare in nature but is widely synthesized for use as a
    diamond simulant." For the rest of the info go to

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cubic_zirconia 

Karen Bahr
Karen's Artworx

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