Cubic Zirconia Synthetic Facet / Faceting Rough
Despite the differences in physical properties, Cubic Zirconia has maintained being an important competitor of Diamonds, with its visual similarities.
Cubic Zirconium
Color: All ranges, including color changes
Moh's Hardness: 8.25-8.5
Refractive index: 2.14-2.20
Critical Angle: 27.86°
Specific Gravity: 5.7
Cleavage: None
Fracture: Sub-conchoidal, brittle
Dispersion: .06
Heat Sensitivity: Low
Birefringence (double refraction): None
Crystal Structure: Isometric
Treatments: None
What I prefer to polishing with: Zinc laps with 8,000 pre-polish and 50,000 polish.
Jeff's Comments: CZ manufactured in the US and Britain is generally more consistent and having less polishing problems.
Design Links:4-Way Stop - This is great for saturated rough if you have a piece that will work in the shape…
Princess - Nice in about any material
Brilliant Pear - Good in any color
Jeff R. Graham
The late Jeff Graham was a prolific faceter, creator of many original faceting designs, and the author of several highly-regarded instructional faceting books such as Gram Faceting Designs.
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