THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN DIAMOND & ZIRCON

Diamonds and zircons are both most popular gemstones, but it is important to know how to spot the difference between them. While diamonds and zircons may look very similar to the untrained eye, they have several distinct characteristics that set them apart. In this blog post, we will discuss how to identify a diamond from a zircon so you can make sure you are purchasing the gemstone of your choice.

ABOUT DIAMONDS

Diamonds are a type of precious stone that has been used to express love and commitment for centuries. Diamonds are composed of carbon atoms arranged in a specific structure that gives the diamond its hardness, sparkle, and brilliance. This makes them one of the most sought-after and valuable gems in the market. Diamonds are graded by four main characteristics: color, clarity, cut, and carat weight. The higher the quality of these four features, the more valuable and rare the diamond will be.

ABOUT ZIRCON

Zircon is a group of minerals, which includes zirconia, zirconolite, and baddeleyite. These minerals vary in color from yellow, brown, blue, and green, to white and are naturally occurring in nature. Zircon is often mistaken for diamond due to its impressive brilliance and sparkling luster.

Zircon is an incredibly versatile gemstone that offers many unique benefits. Its durability and affordability make it a popular choice for many types of jewelry, and its heat resistance and thermal conductivity make it ideal for use in a variety of industrial applications.

WAYS TO SPOT THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THESE TWO

When it comes to telling the difference between diamond and zircon, there are several factors to consider.

HARDNESS - The Mohs scale of mineral hardness is used to measure the hardness of minerals, with diamonds and zircon being two of them. Diamonds rate a 10 on this scale and are the hardest mineral on the earth. On the other hand, zircon rates only around 7 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale, which makes it much softer than diamonds. So, if you have to identify whether a gemstone is a diamond or zircon, you can simply test it by scratching it with another mineral of a higher hardness rating such as a steel file or a quartz crystal. If the stone gets scratched, then it is likely that it is zircon and not a diamond.

REFRACTIVE INDEX - The refractive index is an important measure for distinguishing diamonds from zircon. The refractive index of a diamond is usually 2.42, which is higher than that of zircon which typically has a refractive index of 1.93 – 1.987. To determine the refractive index of a gemstone, you need to place the gemstone under a gemological refractometer (measuring device, how light is bent as it moves through the substance)and use the scale on the instrument to measure the amount of light being bent through the gemstone. The higher the refractive index the greater the sparkle and brilliance of the gemstone.

COLOR - Color is one of the easiest ways to differentiate between diamonds and zircons. When looking at diamonds and zircons side-by-side, the color difference between them is quite noticeable. Diamonds tend to have a more brilliant, sparkly quality to them due to the reflection of light, while zircons appear dull and matte.

In terms of color clarity, diamonds are generally clearer than zircons. You can easily spot inclusions (tiny flaws) in zircons but they’re not as apparent in diamonds.

COST - Diamonds are usually much more expensive than zircon, depending on the quality of the stone. The price of a diamond is based on factors such as cut, clarity, color, and carat weight. A one-carat diamond can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $16,000 or more. Zircon, on the other hand, is generally much less expensive. A one-carat zircon typically ranges in price from about $50 to $400.

It’s important to note that while diamonds tend to be more expensive than zircons, both stones can be valuable and stunning in their own right. Ultimately, when shopping for either stone, it’s important to consider the overall value of the stone, which should include its beauty, craftsmanship, and durability.

Whether you are looking to diamonds or zircon to add a little sparkle to your jewelry collection, GemsBiz is the best place to find them. With our large selection and unbeatable prices, you are sure to find something special that fits your needs. Shop today and get ready to make a statement with your new piece of jewelry!

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