What's a Cubic Zirconia Stone

by Dale Armstrong
Question:

What are CZs, and how are they different from crystals? Where do I find them? How are they different from lab stones?

-Merry in Smithers, B.C
Answer:

As I believe you are inquiring about the difference between different cut stone definitions, here is my answer
Lab-grown and lab-created stones mimic natural gems' composition and structure.

They are synthetic, vivid in color, and free of inclusions from purified materials.

These are real stones, not earth-mined; "simulated" means glass-based.
A cut stone labeled just "crystal" is usually glass.

Natural clear quartz is called "Rock Crystal," faceted from quartz chunks that rarely form clear in bulk.
A Swarovski bead is made of Full Lead Crystal, meaning that the lead oxide content in the glass mixture is a minimum of 32%.

The addition of the lead oxide gives this special glass a nice weight as well as extra refractive qualities, making lead crystal sparkle.
Cubic Zirconia (CZ), developed in 1977, simulates diamonds using zirconium dioxide.

It has a hardness of 8, high refractive index for sparkle, and high melting point-ideal for PMC work.

Wire-Sculpture offers an amazing selection of loose CZ stones.
For future reference, the FTC (Federal Trade Commission) has easily-understood guidelines that can help you when purchasing stones.

Answer contributed by Dale "Cougar" Armstrong

Materials

Swarovski Crystal Beads
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Cubic Zirconia Gemstones
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Tools

WireJewelry - Ultimate Wire-Pliers Jewelry Pliers with Case, Set of 5
G15-20
  • G15-20
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $170.72
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  • Category: General Education
  • Technique(s): Design, General Education