The first quantum oscillator in the USSR (laser) used a ruby crystal (corundum) to produce a beam. At the height of the Cold War (1979–1987), tests of a powerful ruby laser under the IDF program ended in failure: when the discharge lamp was replaced with a plasma torch, the ruby rod simply overheated and charred. Scientists faced a challenge - to look for a worthy replacement for a ruby.
The main differences and properties of stones
Later on, the FIAN scientists decided to take a grenade as a model for creating a molecular lattice with the required properties. This mineral, unlike ruby, had a much greater frequency stability of laser radiation and better resistance to short-term overheating. A synthetic single crystal synthesized by scientists in 1970 for a high-power laser was named fianite (in honor of the Physics Institute of the Academy of Sciences).
The crystal lattice of the cubic zirconia under an electron microscope very much resembles the Rubik's cube known since childhood. Entrepreneurial jewelers quickly took the fianit "into use" and adapted it for their practical purposes.
Jewelry factories and sellers of gold and silver with inserts of cheap artificial stones, possessed by the sole purpose - to increase sales, in their articles and popular reviews with a pronounced PR tinge in describing the properties and origin of cubic zircon and deliberately brought confusion to the reader’s mind facets of substitution of concepts.
That is why for many, cubic zirconia and zircon are actually synonyms. Meanwhile, this is not the case. To facilitate the understanding of the article, we formulate the basic properties of stones.
Fianit is an artificial mineral, by hardness only slightly inferior to diamond and corundum. In nature, nowhere to be found. It requires constant care, when rubbing against clothes, it is easily electrified, attracts fine dust. When oil or sebum gets on the surface of the crystal (when wearing a pendant or amulet with cubic zirconia on a chain), the stone loses its transparency. To restore the properties of the oil must be washed off with soapy water, wipe the surface of the stone with a dry wool cloth without the use of abrasives.
Zirconium (Zr40) is a shiny gray metal with an atomic weight of 40, resistant to corrosion, high temperature, radioactive radiation. Used in manufacturing for the manufacture of parts subject to high mechanical stress, high or low temperatures, high pressure, high vacuum, radioactive radiation.
Zircon is a magmatic mineral, chemical composition is zirconium orthosilicate (ZrSiO4), has high strength, resistant to high temperatures, aggressive chemical fluids, does not require special care. The most beautiful are the following species of zircon:
- golden yellow slang;
- red hyacinths;
- blue starlitis
There are also zircons of blue, green, black color with pearlescent shine.
Zircon surpasses fianit in brilliance and color play inside the crystal. In terms of cost, it is also significantly more expensive than its “synthetic twin”.
Very often, at the counter of a jewelry store, you can hear a conversation of women who, when choosing jewelry, say: “It's a pity that it is a cubic zircon, it would be better to have zircon”. Given the desire of young girls and women who want to buy jewelry from zircon, jewelry manufacturers have come up with a very subtle marketing ploy.
On the assay tag of a gold or silver ring with an insert from the cubic zirconium opposite the name of the material is abbreviated "circus. CZ "or" circus. cube. Having seen the first word “zirconium”, the buyer thinks that the insert is made of natural stone (zircon) and thoughtfully analyzes the second word. As a result of simple manipulation with the substitution of concepts instead of a natural gem, the buyer acquires its artificial counterpart - cubic zirconium (the trade name of cubic zirconia).
How can you easily distinguish cubic zirconia from zircon?
How to understand what material the stone is made from: valuable zircon or more accessible cubic zirconia? Experienced jewelers can instantly determine the authenticity of the jewelry by the following visual features:
- natural zircon strongly refracts the rays of light, it is impossible to read the small text through it, and through the fianit the text is very clearly visible;
- in a natural mineral in bright light, small air bubbles and dark blotches are noticeable, and the fianite does not contain any impurities.
Swarovski Fianits
The well-known Austrian company Swarowski Crystal produces expensive high-quality imitation of various gemstones. Initially, this brand made an imitation of crystal of silicon dioxide, lead salts and sulfur oxide. In 1956, the jewelers of the company, in collaboration with the Christian Dior fashion house, developed the diamond cutting technology from Swarowski.
The technology and quality of production in the company have reached such a level that the imitation of Swarowski jewels from real stones can be distinguished by high-level specialists exclusively with the help of special equipment.
To confirm the authenticity of products on a small polished site using a laser Be sure to engrave Swarowski.
The deposition of a thin layer of titanium or silver on the lower edge of a crystal from Swarowski enhances the brilliance and play of color due to the repeated reflection of the light beam inside the crystal. Swarowski fianites (Swarowski Zirconia) and Swarowski (Swarovski Crystal) crystals are completely different stones.
The first ones are inexpensive diamond-cut zirconia, the second ones are a crystalline substance of complex chemical composition. It is fair to say that the artificial phianites of the brand enjoy no less popular with the beautiful half of humanity than the original jewelry, which is not affordable for everyone.
Which stone to choose?
Zircon and zircon differ from each other by a number of properties:
- fianit more transparent, does not contain opacities and impregnations of impurities;
- cubic zirconia slightly cheaper;
- cubic zircon and zircon require periodic care, especially if the jewelry is worn on the body, the stone loses its transparency from contact with fatty secretions of the skin, which is restored after washing in soapy water and polishing with wool fabric;
- zircon has a lower hardness compared to cubic zirconia, cracks and chipping are possible when falling from a great height;
- Zircon refracts the rays more strongly, it has a deeper play of colors in the sun compared to cubic zirconia.
From the above, we can draw conclusions:
- due to the difference in price, fianit is a cheaper option for a full-fledged replacement of zircon when buying jewelry or when choosing a tool with a diamond head;
- physical and chemical properties of the stones are almost identical.
Of course, the final choice in favor of cubic zirconia or zircon depends entirely on the financial side of the issue or on the personal preferences of the buyer.
About features of cubic zirconia, see below.
