How to distinguish phianites from diamonds in domestic and laboratory conditions

A diamond is called a specially processed natural mineral (diamond), consisting mainly of carbon molecules. That is, it is similar in chemical composition to ordinary soot, but, thanks to the special structure of the crystal lattice, when it is cut, it acquires a unique (you can even say bewitching) shine.

Mankind has known this stone since antiquity, and throughout its extraction and use it was accompanied by the most mysterious legends and was endowed with extraordinary properties. Now that people have learned how to create artificial stones and produce zirconium on an industrial scale (it is also a fianite), the value of the diamond did not become lower, but rather, on the contrary. For the right to own large diamonds, and now terrible crimes are committed, including mass murders. And there is hardly any lady in the world who would not accept jewelry with these amazing minerals.

In the jewelry business, the diamond and fianite are now used almost on an equal footing. Undoubtedly, products with natural diamonds are much more expensive, so not everyone can afford. A beautiful earrings or suspenders want to wear to everyone, regardless of the financial situation, and therefore cheaper zirconium is almost always found in silver products, and increasingly in gold. How to distinguish cubic zirkonia from diamonds by external signs, many do not know, that's why they do not try to do this when buying. In fact, these two materials are so similar to the refractive index that even first-hand jewelers may mistake them for a primary inspection. The difference between a diamond and cubic zirconia is, first of all, its chemical composition. In addition, a diamond is one of the hardest natural materials on earth (which can not be said about the fianite). Many physical parameters of the diamond (density, thermal conductivity) also differ significantly from those of zircon. Therefore, the question of how to distinguish phianites from diamonds in the laboratory, does not arise.

But do not run the same every time you buy a jewelry product in a specialized laboratory! Experts say that the average person to distinguish one stone from another is almost impossible, especially if it is small. To confirm the authenticity of diamonds, each product usually has a certificate or passport, which indicates the quality of the mineral, its purity, and authenticity is confirmed.

The only way to distinguish between cubic zirkonia and diamonds is by cutting. And then this method works only when the stones are large enough. In cubic zirkonia, the faces may be slightly rounded (which the diamond simply can not have). So with minimal doubts on this account, it is better to refuse to purchase.

Though nevertheless there are some methods how to distinguish cubic zirkonia from brilliants, but especially on them it is not necessary to count. Some jewelers recommend breathing on a stone (diamonds do not fog up). Others - to hold them on the glass (from the diamond on the glass surface will necessarily remain a trace, but he himself does not suffer a drop). But in a jewelry store the buyer is unlikely to be allowed to do all these manipulations, so it's better not to experiment, but to purchase expensive products from trusted sellers with an impeccable reputation.