Crystals, stones, CZ and probably you encountered even more terms while dealing with the glistening stones that are used on our piercings. That they aren’t real diamonds is obvious, but what are they then?
Cubic Zirconia crystals on piercings
Right, the abbreviation CZ comes from Cubic Zirconia crystals. This type of crystal is relatively new. Even though discovered in 1892 commercial production only began in 1976. The big difference between the two dates is caused because there wasn’t a good use for the stone at first. When the need for an alternative for diamonds grew, the solution was found with the Cubic Zirconia, and that is for a good reason.
Diamond versus Cubic Zirconia
Diamonds are special, everybody knows that. Pressing carbon strongly together, really really strong, creates diamonds. In general the weight of a sun is enough to press carbon together in the core hard enough until a diamond is created. If the sun explodes the diamonds are sent into the universe. A diamond thus has a limited availability, is very special and especially very expensive.
In comparison (with a diamond) Cubic Zirconia nearly doesn’t cost anything and can be made by humans. However don’t think, that Cubic Zirconia is just a stone. It is incredibly close to diamonds.
About diamond it is said, that it is the hardest material that is known and therefore gets a 10 on the scale of hardness. Cubic Zirconia is quite close to that with an 8. Furthermore a Cubic Zirconia has less colour than a diamond. There are only very few diamonds that are totally colourless. In contrast to that Cubic Zirconia can be made totally colourless relatively easily. However, when it is desired it can be fully coloured as well.
The most special thing still is, that most people can’t differentiate a good Cubic Zirconia stone from a real diamond. This in combination with the characteristics of this ‘fake’ stone, being really close to the characteristics of the ‘real’ one, are reasons that the jewellery market would look completely different, if Cubic Zirconia would never been found.
Ten articles before and after
An earring isn’t a real piercing | CHURINGA PIERCING BLOG
Shooting piercings, why not? | CHURINGA PIERCING BLOG
Septum piercing, really hot? | CHURINGA PIERCING BLOG
Nipple piercing: the standard size | CHURINGA PIERCING BLOG
Stretchers: The standard size | CHURINGA PIERCING BLOG
Segment rings: The standard size | CHURINGA PIERCING BLOG