What is Zirconite?

Zirconite is a diamond simulate having optical characteristics that are very close to those of natural diamonds. It is crystal grown under tremendous heat of 5000F (the hardest steel melts at around 3000F) and was developed by the Russians for  use in their Laser programs.  It has a refractive index, dispersion and hardness so close to a diamond it is uncanny. Diamond, one of the hardest materials known to man is rated 10, lying at the  top of the hardness scale. The hardness of ZIRCONITE® cubic zirconia ranges between 9.0-9.1 while ordinary cubic zirconia ranges between 8.5-8.9.  Glass or sand is approximately 5-6, therefore dust and dirt will not scratch ZIRCONITE®.  Indeed, ZIRCONITE® cubic zirconia can scratch glass just like natural diamonds.  ZIRCONITE® is also tougher than sapphire, making ZIRCONITE® more chip resistant.

There are many grades of cubic zirconia from those with a  milky look to high intensity, custom cut, polished girdles with perfect facets, which look just like diamonds. Cubic zirconia gem cutting and polishing techniques vary widely around the world. Even if the raw materials used are exactly the same, the best quality faceting and polishing methods result in gems which have far more "life" and a crisper, cleaner appearance, proving that when it comes to ZIRCONITE® cubic zirconia,  the old maxim "you get what you pay for"  is absolutely true.

ZIRCONITE® weighs 65% more than a real diamond. Therefore, the only way to tell the difference between the two is by weighing the unset stone. Once it is set, it is impossible for even a jeweler to tell the difference.  A few years ago, ABCs 20/20 news team took a high intensity cubic zirconia stone, as well as a perfect $50,000,000 mined diamond to the New York  Diamond District. After careful examination of the two stones an expert claimed that they were both so perfect that they must both be counterfeit!

The only difference therefore between ZIRCONITE® and a  diamond lies in the price, and in the mind...