CZ is perhaps one of the most popular crystals used in jewelry. In fact, cubic zirconia is a precious synthetic crystal obtained under artificial conditions. The beauty is not inferior to many natural gems, but the price is much lower.
The shade that a cubic zirconia stone can emit is determined by its chemical composition. During 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 empirically (the stone, the photo of which is higher) fell in love with connoisseurs of brilliant jewelry. By their composition, absolutely all cubic zirconia is zirconium dioxide. Special processing allows to obtain a high level of refraction of the beam, very similar to diamond. That is why a peculiar play of light is obtained with daylight and artificial radiation.
This property sometimes confuses buyers,who believe that cubic zirconia is a precious stone. According to its external characteristics, it really can compete with natural precious minerals. It is especially interesting to observe the play of light in ultraviolet rays. Artificially bred cubic zirconia sparkles with bright blue, yellow, purple and other shades.
The name of the crystal deserves special attention. It is named after the research institution where the first samples were obtained - the Physical Institute of the Academy of Sciences (FIAN).
Today, there are several ways to obtain precious cubic zirkonia. 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 rapidly cooled, as a result of which crystals are synthesized on the container rods. Depending on the additives in the alloy, various shades can be obtained. Thanks to this method, cubic zirconia is often used to imitate topazes, blue sapphires, rubies, green chrysolites and purple amethysts.
Undoubtedly, the production of artificial stones is a very costly enterprise, but it is several times more economical than starting to search for new deposits of diamonds, corundum and other valuable rocks. That is why cubic zirconia stone will remain in demand for a long time. Its popularity is easily explained: many people want to buy diamond jewelry, but not everyone can afford such a purchase. And elegant cubic zirconias with no less bright brilliance and a variety of shades are available to a wideaudience. Modern technology allows you to create real masterpieces using this "cube of zirconia".
In addition, a valuable crystal is in demand in the chemical industry, electronics, precision engineering. It is an excellent insulator at low and medium temperatures. And it becomes a conductive material when heated above 300 degrees. It is not easy to process this stone. Due to the fragility of the structure, it often crumbles. To reduce brittleness, the cut edges are slightly rounded.
