What is the difference between zirconium oxide and zircon?

In the world of costume jewelry, the terms "zirconium oxide" and "zircon" are quite common. These very similar words refer to two very different elements that should not be confused when choosing a piece of jewelry. To help you learn more about these two alternatives, or substitutes, for diamonds, we will explain how to differentiate between zirconium oxide and zircon.

What should you know about zircon?

Zircon is a mineral with the chemical formula Zr(SiO4). It can be found in various colors, including colorless, yellow, orange, red, purple, blue, and green. Its hardness ranges from 6.5 to 7.5, meaning its edges are not as sharp and brilliant as those of diamond. Its refractive index, between 1.777 and 1.987, is quite high, which is why it has great luster and brilliance. However, zircon is very sensitive to pressure and impact, so its edges are easily damaged.

The crystal lattice of zircon is easily damaged. Its crystals often appear brown. Damage allows water to penetrate the glass and reduces its density. Zircons that are of gem quality due to their size and purity are sometimes used as diamond substitutes. However, they have several drawbacks, notably their easily brittle edges.

Zircon is a natural gemstone belonging to the silicate family. It is a mineral that has been used by humans for centuries. It is found primarily in Australia, India, South Africa, and Sri Lanka. Zircon is a gemstone used as an alternative to diamonds. Jewelry made with zircons is therefore less expensive than jewelry made with diamonds.

However, even though zircon resembles diamond in brilliance, its quality and sparkle are far inferior. It's worth noting that this gemstone can change color when heated to very high temperatures, resulting in a wide range of hues.

What should you know about zirconium oxide?

Zirconium oxide, also called zirconium dioxide or zirconia, is a chemical element with atomic number 40, located in group 4 of the periodic table. Its symbol is Zr. It is a hard, corrosion-resistant metal, similar to steel. It is also a synthetic gemstone created in a laboratory by humans. This synthetic stone was manufactured to mimic the appearance of diamond.

It is a grayish-white, shiny metal that is highly resistant to corrosion. It is lighter than steel with a hardness similar to that of copper. When finely divided, it can spontaneously combust upon contact with air (it reacts more readily with nitrogen than with oxygen), especially at high temperatures. It is resistant to acids, but it can dissolve in hydrofluoric acid (HF), reliably forming complexes with fluorides.

Zirconium oxide is used to make jewelry, but also knives, biomedical implants, and dental prostheses. It is also used in the luxury watch industry. Zirconia can be white, colorless, transparent, colored, pink, green, blue, etc. The chemical formula of zirconium dioxide is ZrO2. The hardness of this synthetic stone is 8.5. It is therefore less hard than diamond, which has a hardness of 10 on the Mohs scale. Zirconia has a high refractive index, giving the stone a beautiful luster and brilliance.

How to differentiate between zirconium oxide and zircon?

It is very difficult to distinguish between cubic zirconia and zircon with the naked eye. It can also be complicated to differentiate between these two substitutes and a genuine diamond. Only an experienced jeweler or gemologist could tell the difference at a glance. But to help you differentiate between these stones, here's what you need to remember:

Zirconium oxide is a synthetic stone manufactured in a laboratory by humans, whereas zircon is a natural stone found in nature. It is a rarer gem and will therefore cost more than zirconium oxide;
Zirconium oxide has a higher hardness than zircon, meaning that zirconium dioxide is more resistant. Indeed, zircon remains a more fragile stone that tends to be easily damaged;
Zirconia has a higher density than zircon.

However, whether it's zircon or zirconium oxide, it's important to understand that these elements are not synthetic diamonds. In fact, they don't have the same composition as diamond, which remains the king of all gems. They are substitutes that resemble diamond but do not possess the same quality.

In other words, if you want to buy quality jewelry that will last and retain its brilliance, it's best to choose diamond jewelry. Whether on our website, in our Mulhouse store , or in our Belfort store, you'll find only unique pieces crafted from natural gemstones and precious materials like gold and silver.

The expertise and experience of Bollwerk's jewelers, watchmakers, and goldsmiths will allow you to enjoy or give unique, custom-made pieces. Bollwerk jewelry is timeless, so feel free to visit our online store or our workshops in Mulhouse and Belfort.

FAQ

Does zircon oxidize?

Zircon is a stone sensitive to sunlight, so its color can change. Jewelry containing zircon should not be exposed to excessively strong light.

How to recognize a genuine zircon?

It is difficult to distinguish between zirconium oxide and zircon with the naked eye. Furthermore, zirconium oxide is less expensive than zircon because it is a synthetic stone.