At first glance, moissanite resembles a diamond and can be mistaken for a diamond, synthetic (lab-grown) diamond, or a diamond simulant (CZ). Compared to cubic zirconia or CZ, perhaps the most popular diamond simulant in the world, the difference is obvious. CZ is an inexpensive diamond-like imitation diamond that is inferior to moissanite in almost all gemological properties.

CZ is too soft

Hardness is the resistance of a gemstone to being scratched or faceted. Compared to moissanite, CZ is less than half the hardness (45%) of moissanite, measured using the Knoop indentation test: 1370 kg/mm2 vs 3000 kg/mm2. Therefore, moissanite is 219% harder. Because CZ scratches easily, it often loses its surface finish after months or years of wear.

While CZ sellers boast that CZ can scratch glass, many gemstones and jewelry are harder than glass and can easily scratch glass. So it's not a huge feat.

CZ is not tough enough

Toughness is the ability to resist chipping and fracture. Compared to Moissanite, CZ is only 1/3 the toughness: 2.4 PSI compared to 7.6 PSI. As a result, moissanite is more than 300% more resistant to chipping.

Therefore, considering the significantly degraded hardness and toughness of CZ, its lifespan is limited. Considering the very high hardness and toughness of Moissanite, it will not scratch, chip and wear like CZ, and with a little attention, it will last a lifetime or even longer.

CZ has inferior optical properties

The beauty and brilliance of engagement stones lies in their brilliance, fire and lustre.

Moissanite is known for its high refractive index of 2.69, which is 25% higher than that of CZ. The higher the refractive index of a gemstone, the more brilliance the gemstone emits. Therefore, the brilliance of Moissanite easily surpasses that of CZ.

Moissanite 0.104 has a 58% greater dispersion than CZ (0.044). Therefore, Moissanite emits more flames or iridescent flashes than CZ.

The luster of moissanite is 50% higher than that of CZ. The higher the gloss, the greater the amount of light reflected from the surface of the gemstone.

To sum up, the brightness, fire and luster of moissanite are significantly higher than that of CZ.

Optical Anamolies: Windowing

CZ's lower refractive index gives the gemstone significantly more "windows" than moissanite or diamonds, and gives CZ what many women call a "glassy" appearance.

Windowing is an optical phenomenon that occurs when light passes through a gemstone without being refracted. If there is a window in the gemstone, the observer can look through the gemstone from a certain angle as if it were a window, or can observe large dark areas in the gemstone (caused by light leakage from the window).

A well-cut stone should reflect so much light that nothing can be seen behind it. However, this statement assumes you are looking straight down from the top of the stone, which is not tilted at all. Even a slight inclination of the stone changes the angle at which light hits the pavilion facets. Each type of gemstone has its own "tilted brightness" range. The lower the index of refraction, the less slope is required to open the window. Since CZ has a much lower index of refraction than moissanite (1.8 - 2.17 compared to 2.69 for moissanite), the result is that while CZ looks beautiful from the top, when viewed from different angles, many black spots are easily identified Or black dots as "fakes".

CZ has Strong Affinity to Dirt

CZ has a strong affinity for dirt. Another reason many consumers feel that CZ tarnishes quickly and "looks cloudy" is that hand oils, makeup, etc. can stick to gemstones very quickly. Given the poor refractive index of CZ compared to diamond or moissanite, even a little dirt can make CZ appear dull or lifeless. This in turn requires that the wearer must clean it frequently, we have clients even telling us multiple times a day, to keep it sparkling. While Moissanite will stain over time, it is more stain resistant than CZ or even diamond, which means it will stay clean longer.

CZ lacks stability and durability

CZ is heat sensitive. When exposed to excessive heat, CZ gemstones shatter and turn a very opaque milky white. This can be a problem if you want to modify your CZ jewelry (eg ring size). Many jewelers will refuse to repair CZ jewelry.

Cubic zirconia also naturally tries to combine with carbon dioxide and water, which can cause the stone surface to become cloudy over time.

Conclusion

Finally, CZ is great for cheap fashion jewelry, but if you plan to wear it a lot (eg bridal jewelry), it's too soft for jewelry, its affinity for dirt is too strong, and its optical properties (gloss, fire, and brilliance) ) ) is not enough compared to Moissanite. Unlike moissanite and diamonds, CZ will not stand the test of time.