What is the difference between zircon and diamond？

In six ways, zircon differs from diamond.

Difference Between Zircon and Diamond

1.Hardness difference

Diamonds are harder than zircon, and only diamonds can scratch diamonds, with a Mohs hardness of 10.

Zircon has a Mohs hardness of 8 on the Mohs scale. Corundum (red, sapphire) has a value of 9.

As a result, while diamond can engrave corundum, zircon cannot.

2.The relative density is different

Zircon has a specific gravity of 4.69, while diamond has a specific gravity of only 3.52.

Zircon is 1.33 times heavier than diamond.

That is, when two gemstones of equal volume are weighed, the heavier one is zircon and the lighter one is diamond.

3.Usability differences

Zircon serves a different purpose than diamond.

Diamond is a natural hard substance that is white in color and stable, and it is frequently used to make high-end jewelry.

Zircon is a common mineral found in gemstones.

Some low-type zircon, particularly bright orange low-type zircon, contains radioactive elements. To avoid health risks, such zircon should not be worn as jewelry.

As a result, the practicality of zircon and diamond remains distinct.

4.Refractive index difference

The refractive index difference between zircon and diamond is also significant.

The refractive index of diamond is 2.417, while that of zircon is 2.176.

Diamonds have a high opacity and can emit a very scintillating light regardless of the environment.

The luminous point of zircon differs markedly from that of diamond.

When we carefully examine zircon and diamond with a magnifying glass, we can see that zircon has an obvious double shadow, but diamond does not.

5.different ingredients

Diamonds are composed of carbon, whereas zircon generally refers to “cubic zirconia,” a synthetic product. The main component is zirconium silicate, which can be colored purple, gold, pale yellow, garnet, and other hues.

6.Thermal conductivity difference

Diamond and zircon have different thermal conductivities.

diamond remains cool no matter how you touch it, whereas zircon becomes hot when held in your hand for an extended period of time.

View other jewelry knowledge