Features, properties and application of cubic zirconia

The fianit is an artificially grown crystal and looks like a diamond in cut. It is actively used in the manufacture of jewelry and is appreciated by lovers of fine jewelry. The high popularity of the stone is due to its strong resemblance to a diamond and a fairly affordable price. In addition to jewelers, cubic zirconia is widely used by manufacturers of optical devices, as well as dentists, who use it as one of the basic materials for dental spraying.

The question of whether a cubic zirconia is a precious stone concerns many people, and in order to answer it, you need to familiarize yourself with the history of its creation and chemical composition. So, cubic zirconia was developed in the Soviet Union back in 1968 with the participation of scientists from the Physical Institute of the Academy of Sciences. Lebedeva, abbreviated FIAN. It is this abbreviation that gave the name to a new crystal, obtained by physicists as a result of the work to improve the refraction of the laser beam.

The result of the works of scientists was a beautiful stone, very naturally imitating a diamond and later becoming one of the most popular artificially created crystals used in jewelry.

However, a strong resemblance to the precious mineral gave rise to numerous fraudulent schemes and caused a rather biased attitude to the cubic zirconia in the jewelry market. So, in the early 70s, the appearance of a cheap copy of a diamond provoked panic among foreign manufacturers and a negative attitude towards the development of Soviet scientists, which, in turn, led to great disappointment for the creators who developed the crystal for completely different purposes.

But over time, the hype around the crystal subsided and large foreign companies themselves began to produce an artificial diamond.

Since the beginning of the 90s, the synthesized mineral has become very popular, in some years, the total weight of all the crystals produced in the world reached 50 million carats. Today, production volumes are steadily growing, providing true connoisseurs of fine, exquisite and inexpensive products, which in their appearance are in no way inferior to products with real diamonds.

In addition to diamonds, cubic zirconia is often mistaken for Swarovski crystals, which are a patented variety of crystal and have nothing in common with the development of Soviet scientists. And thanks to the possibility of dyeing in different colors, the stone successfully replaces topazes, sapphires and garnets. Moreover, many jewelry lovers, who know a lot about this issue, consciously choose a fianit. This is due to the processing technology of crystals and the fact that artificial stones are suitable for applying any, even the most complex and intricate cut, while natural minerals are much more difficult to process and cannot boast of a large variety of ornate forms.

Fianit is an unstable high-temperature cubic modification of zirconium dioxide ZrO2 and contains additions of manganese, calcium and yttrium oxides. Due to the refractive index of light, which is 2.15-2.25 units, and close to that of a diamond, equal to 2.417-2.419 units, cubic zirconia is very difficult to visually distinguish from a precious mineral.

The crystal does not have a stable chemical formula, which is explained by the content in its composition of certain additives used depending on the properties that are planned to be obtained. The stone has a diamond luster, uneven fracture and is characterized by the lack of cleavage.

Zirconia itself is colorless, therefore To give the crystals the desired color, they are colored with transition and rare earth elements. This happens in the process of manufacturing a mineral, the crystallization of which is carried out under laboratory conditions using the technology of cooling melts, in which the crystallization rate is from 8 to 10 mm / h.

The dyes used are oxides of such metals as cerium, giving the fianit yellow, red and orange hues, chromium, giving a deep green color, neodymium and erbium, dyeing the crystals in purple and pink tones, respectively, and titanium, giving a golden brown shade .

By its physical properties, the cubic zirconia is also similar to a diamond. For example, the hardness of an artificial crystal on the Mohs scale varies from 7.5 to 8.5 units, while the same indicator for a diamond is 10 units.

The density of stones is also not too different, and is 3.5 g / cm3 for diamond and about 6.5 g / cm3 for fianite. As for the index of refraction of light, then the diamond and its non-precious analogue are almost the same and are 2.4 and 2.25 units, respectively. But the weight of an artificial crystal, by contrast, is significantly different from the weight of the diamond and exceeds it by almost 60%.

The high popularity of cubic zirconia and its ability to masterfully simulate a number of precious precious minerals is due to the ability of the crystal to dye in different shades and good color fastness. Black and green stones are in particular demand. Next comes blue in popularity, as an option - blue, red, pink and purple, which also look great in jewelry and impress owners with even and deep shine.

Crystals of lilac color, and also golden-brown and purple look very unusual. By the way, when a stone is heated to very high temperatures, it loses its transparency and becomes like a white pearl or a black diamond.

Moreover, thanks to the use of modern technology, experts have learned how to synthesize a stone with a color change - an effect characteristic of a rare and expensive alexandrite. Also, cubic zirconia crystals are turquoise, cognac and pale yellow hues, while scientists have learned how to produce cubic zirconia in more than 20 colors.

The most unusual and expensive are the minerals of the blue-green spectrum, which at the moment are only at the enterprises of Russia and the United States. Ornaments with cubic zirconia of such color look very expensive and noble and are very popular with fashionistas. However, it should be noted that Scientists cannot yet get a natural emerald hue, and all attempts end with the production of crystals, which resemble chrysolite in color.

Due to many positive properties and relatively low production costs, cubic zirconia is actively used in various fields of human activity. Thus, there is a perception of the healing properties of an artificial mineral, which, according to such statements, increases the overall tone of the body, improves cellular metabolism and contributes to the positive work of various organs. However, there are many skeptics in this matter.

In addition to the use in jewelry, cubic zirconia is often chosen as a raw material in the production of microcancelles. This is due to the high hardness of the material, its thermal stability and low cost. In addition, the crystal is used as one of the components when applying ceramic spraying in the dental industry.

However, the greatest number of disputes is the expediency of using fianite in. The main difference between synthesized crystals from natural stones is their energy “sterility”. Artificial stones do not carry any energy - neither negatively charged nor positive. However, many experts working with energy argue that due to the absence of cracks and defects, as well as due to the absolute transparency of crystals, fianit can be considered as the cleanest vessel, which is filled with the energy of its owner.

So, one of the important characteristics of cubic zirconia is considered his ability to “memorize” a series of events, thoughts and emotions, which is why he can be used as a talisman. The main thing in this business is to set the correct message to the stone and give it exclusively positive energy. For this, jewelery with a stone is recommended to be worn when making vital events, in moments of great emotional lift, a state of happiness and emotional balance.

If the cubic zirconia was donated and stayed with another person for some time, then it should be placed in a container with pure spring water or held over a flame. It is believed that in this way it is possible to clear the stone from foreign energetics and make it suitable for further use as an amulet or a talisman.

When using cubic zirconia as an ornament An important issue for many is its compatibility with other precious and semiprecious stones. In this regard, it is necessary to reassure all the owners of this beautiful stone: the crystal is combined absolutely with all the natural minerals, moreover, it is considered that it can even enhance their natural energy impact and strength.

Visually, the crystal looks very harmonious with topaz, amethyst, citrine and garnet, and only emphasizes their bright shine and nobility. As for the metal frame, the cubic zirconia looks great in gold, silver and platinum framing, favorably shading the central gemstone and giving the product a high artistic value.

People involved in working with energies are sure that the cubic zirconia is suitable for absolutely everyone, the main thing is that before putting on the jewelry, the crystal is absolutely “clean”, and subsequently properly “charged”. Astrologers hold a slightly different opinion, believing that for each sign of the zodiac there is a color of cubic zirconia, which determines the usefulness of a stone for a particular person.

Thus, the signs of the fire element - Aries, Leo and Sagittarius, are recommended to acquire yellow, orange and red crystals, which most accurately reflect their energy potential. Signs of the earth element - Virgins, Taurus and Capricorn, it is desirable to opt for light yellow, cognac or golden cubic zirconias, resembling the earth in its shade.

Air signs - Aquarius, Libra and Gemini, it is recommended the purchase of transparent or pale pink cubic zirconia. And for signs of water - Cancers, Scorpions and Pisces, blue and blue shades are best suited.

Moreover, astrologers are sure that the zirconia affects the life of each zodiac sign differently and give a number of recommendations on this subject.

• Aquarius stone will help to achieve success in communicating with people and learning. And girls born under this sign, it is desirable to purchase a fianit in platinum or silver frame.
• Pisces A small ring or catkins with cubic zirconia will help protect against damage and the evil eye. Moreover, the crystal is able to attract money, and its owner has a chance to develop a good intuition.
• Aries by their nature, they are often too hot-tempered, and cubic zirconia is able to temper their ardor a little and make their owner a little calmer. Moreover, the crystal has a very positive effect on the intelligence of Aries and stimulates its brain activity.
• Taurus, possessing a mild disposition and appeasable character, will gain confidence in their abilities and become a little more resolute. Moreover, cubic zirconia often acts as a “charger” for this sign, feeding it with accumulated energy during periods when it is necessary.
• Twins wearing cubic zirconia will help get rid of excessive talkativeness and will give them a working attitude. The most suitable for them are black and transparent specimens. Moreover, violet fianit often acts as a daily substitute for amethyst - Gemini stone.
• Cancer wearing an artificial diamond will give confidence on the love front and will serve as an excellent stimulator of mental activity. Moreover, Cancers are the most sensitive sign of the Zodiac and more often than others need a powerful energy supply, coming from cubic zirconia.
• Lions, like all fire signs, are often susceptible to short flashes of anger, smoothing out which helps the fianit. People of this sign are recommended to wear jewelry with a gold-set crystal, as well as combine them with rubies and grenades.
• Virgin, as one of the most difficult signs of the zodiac, can wear ornaments with cubic zirconia to soften some of the sharp corners of their character and emphasize their positive qualities - pragmatism and accuracy. Such people are well suited green, white and lavender stones, which will help them in time to reveal the insincerity of the partner and not to be mistaken in his choice.
• Libra wearing products with cubic zirconia will help calm the nervous system and maintain emotional balance, even in the most difficult situations. Moreover, the crystal contributes to improving the mood, revealing the true potential and ensures success on the love front. The exception is made by persons born from October 14 to 23, as they should wear only natural stones on the recommendation of astrologers.
• Scorpions the patron saint of which Mars is considered to be, it is necessary to wear a dark-red fianit, which will help them to get rid of the negative accumulated during the day and will serve as a deterrent to their excessive emotionality.Moreover, if it is possible to purchase a crystal with the effect of changing colors, which has a very strong energy, then this will be the best option for people of this sign. Stones help Scorpios to achieve success in love, and also have a beneficial effect on the psycho-emotional background.
• Strelets wearing cubic zirconia will help unleash creativity and will contribute to the discovery of new horizons. In addition, the crystal stimulates brain activity and helps in learning.
• Capricorn jewelry with cubic zirconia will help to restore peace in the family and to achieve mutual understanding with others. It is also believed that wearing a crystal will help cope with monetary difficulties and solve old problems.

Distinguishing the cubic zirconia from glass is quite simple, for this you do not need to be a jeweler or carry out chemical analysis of the material. To do this, you only need to look closely at the appearance of the crystal and pay attention to its brilliance. So, at the glass it will be more dim, despite the fact that the cubic zirconia has a beautiful and even gloss, comparable only with the deep brilliance of a natural diamond.

It is also easy to distinguish a natural diamond from cubic zirconia, and this can be done by a number of external signs. Thus, the edges of the cut of an artificial crystal are rather rounded, while the diamond cut has clear and sharp edges. Therefore, when holding a sharp edge on the mirror surface, the fianit will only slightly scratch it, while the diamond will simply cut it. Moreover, due to the increased density cubic zirconia is much heavier than diamond, and under the influence of ultraviolet rays it is less transparent than diamond.

Another true way to distinguish natural stone from artificial stone is to check the temperature of the mineral after it is briefly in hand. The diamond will remain cold to the touch, while the fianit will heat up. Also, during prolonged wear, the artificial mineral dims quickly and requires cleaning, while a diamond can be worn for an arbitrarily long time and will look like new at the same time.

And the last difference is this: breathing on fianite leads to the formation of condensate, and with a diamond this does not happen.

Caring for cubic zirconia is quite simple and includes a number of mandatory procedures.

1. From time to time, it is recommended to polish the crystal with a soft cloth, regardless of whether the product has lost its shine or not, and also to wipe it with a damp cloth.
2. If the artificial mineral is strongly tarnished, it is necessary to prepare a warm soap solution and thoroughly clean the product.
3. Cubic zirconia does not tolerate the effects of household chemicals, including chlorine and cosmetics, so their contact with the product is highly undesirable.
4. Like any other artificially synthesized stone, cubic zirconia does not tolerate falls on a hard surface.
5. When doing homework, the ring with cubic zirconia is better to remove.
6. Storage of products should be carried out in a closed case. This will save them from accidental damage and prolong their lifespan.

The average cost of a stone weighing three carats is about 600-800 rubles per piece. However, the price of crystals depends on many factors, such as color, type of cut, crystal size, quality of the frame and the manufacturer of the jewelry.

• So, the most expensive are stones imitating ruby, sapphire, emerald or blue topaz. The high cost of the latter is due to the complexity of the synthesis of blue and green shades, so the price of such crystals is 2-3 times higher than the average.
• The method of cutting also affects the final cost of jewelry with cubic zirconia, and in this case it is completely determined by the jeweler. Stone can be given forms of varying complexity - a drop, a heart or a polygon with a different number of faces.
• A variety of materials are used as a frame for cubic zirconia, the most expensive of which is gold. For example, a not too wide ring, decorated with a large crystal of cubic zirconia, will cost 6 thousand rubles, while a product of the same size, but inlaid with a scattering of small pebbles, will cost 9-12 thousand rubles, and a wide solid ring with imitation a ruby ​​or alexandrite can cost 20 or more thousand rubles.

How to produce fianit, see the following video.