Although both in shape and aesthetics zirconias can be confused with diamonds, it is important that you know their differences, since it can be noticed, above all, in their price, but also in their origins or in the use that is given to both stones within The jewelry.
However, although the best way to differentiate a diamond from a zirconia is by going to a jewelry expert, such as Jorge Juan Joyeros, then, in a HOWTO, we explain how to differentiate a diamond from a zirconia using a few tricks. For this, it is important to discover the quality of diamonds, the gemstone par excellence.
What is diamond
Diamond is the most valued gemstone on the planet. This mineral is made up mostly of carbon. Its main characteristic is, without a harsh place, its hardness and resistance.
The word diamond comes from the Greek word “adamas”, a concept that means unbreakable or invincible, and is that the diamond is the hardest stone of the nature.
The diamond has very peculiar characteristics, as we will see in this article. For more information, also consult this other article on How to recognize a diamond.
What is a zirconia
Zirconia, also popularly known as zirconia, is a synthetic stone, of artificial origin. Its main characteristic is its great visual similarity to diamond, although it can be assorted colors such as ruby, blue, white or emerald green, among others.
Also, in addition to being a bright and luminous piece, it is very durable, which is why jewelry manufacturers rely on zirconias as a cheaper alternative compared to the exclusivity and price of diamonds.
However, if you also doubt between the difference between diamond and brilliant, this other article on Difference between zirconia, brilliant and diamond may be useful.
Differences between a diamond and a zirconia
Now that you know what a diamond is and what zirconia is, it is much easier to know what their main differences are. We can distinguish its characteristics by three main types:
How to differentiate a diamond from a zirconia by origin
As we have seen in its definitions, one of the main differences between diamond and zirconia is its origin.
While diamond is a natural gemstone, composed of carbon, zirconia is a synthetic stone, produced by the mineral oxide zirconium, a metal in transition. The diamond has different natural origins, from the earth’s mantle or sediments, to volcanic phenomena, passing through particular organisms, among others.
Properties of diamond and zirconia
The composition and properties, both physical, chemical and visual, are a point of difference between diamond and zirconia. In this sense, hardness marks the difference between both stones. Diamond is known to be the hardest gemstone in nature, with an index of 10 points on the Mohs Scale, while zirconia is between 6.5 and 7.5 points.
In other data on their physical and chemical properties, you should know that diamond has a lower density than zirconia and that they also differ by their melting temperature. While diamond can reach 3,546.85ºC, zirconia reaches 1,852ºC.
And although at first glance both stones are very similar, the diamond is transparent and translucent, zirconias can also be opaque.
Diamond and zirconia price
The great difference between diamond and zirconia you will find, without a doubt, in its price. Diamond is one of the most expensive gemstones, so the price of a diamond can reach up to million euros a piece, while the price of zirconia will be around tens and hundreds of euros. Also, while zirconia is more common, diamond is a precious, luxurious and exclusive stone.
If these doubts arise as a result of a personal ring, this other article on How to know if a diamond ring is real may also be useful, where we explain more characteristics of the diamond and how to identify it.
Tricks to differentiate a diamond and a zirconia
In order to differentiate a diamond from a zicornia, in addition to checking the qualities of the diamond, we recommend using some tricks to distinguish them:
Balance test to see if it is diamond
Weight is one of the characteristics that will allow you to differentiate a diamond from a zicorn. With two stones of similar size on a scale, you can check that the zirconia weighs twice as much than a diamond of the same size.
Test the white paper to see if it is diamond or zirconia
Take a white piece of paper and draw a point with a black pencil or pen. Then place the stone centered on the point and see if the drawing is perfectly distinguishable or not. If so, it will be a zicorn, while if the reflection of the point is distorted, you will have a diamond in front of you.
Diamond or zirconia? Lens test
Magnifying glasses or 10x magnifying glasses can help you check if a stone is a diamond or a zirconia. The trick is to observe closely the structure of both stones. Look at the edges of both and you will see that the zirconia are rounded edges, while the diamonds have pointed edges.
On the other hand, remember that diamond is the hardest gemstone and it is important to know that a diamond can only be scratched by another diamond, so with a magnifying glass you can see that it does not have scratches or scratches on its surface. On the other hand, zirconia, being a synthetic stone, may present these types of anomalies.
Go to a professional jeweler to find out if it is a diamond or not
If with the previous tricks you have not been able to differentiate between a diamond and a zirconia, do not hesitate to go to a professional jeweler, such as Jorge Juan Joyeros, in order to be certified and verified with a diamond witness or a tungsten pencil if it is a real part or a synthetic part such as zirconia.
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