Cubic Zirconia (CZ):

Cubic zirconia was discovered by two German scientists in 1937. It wasn't until the 1970's, however, that Russian scientists learned how to grow the crystals in the laboratory. Russian cubic zirconia is still considered to be the highest quality. Cubic zirconia did not become popular until the 1980's when Swarovski & Co. began making them in mass quantities.

A cubic zirconia is made through a complicated process and is a made up of zirconium oxide and yttrium oxide. Together the two chemicals create a beautiful, radiant crystal. It takes almost 5,000 degrees Fahrenheit to melt the two chemicals together and the most important process is cooling. The chemicals must be carefully cooled in order to create flawless crystals.

To the untrained eye, cubic zirconia looks identical to a good quality diamond, but CZ has slightly less brilliance or sparkle than a diamond and more fire or flashes of color. The overall effect is so similar that it can even fool a trained gemologist on occasion. One great difference between cubic zirconia and diamond is weight; CZ is about 75% heavier than diamond. A piece of CZ the same size as a one carat diamond weighs about 1.75 carats. Cubic Zirconia is also flawless, whereas diamond usually contains impurities and inclusions.



CARING FOR REGULAR (NOT MYSTIC) CZ JEWELRY:

(non mystic) cubic zirconia can be cleaned with any conventional jewelry cleaner or detergent. With such a high hardness and durability (8.5 on Moh's Scale of Hardness), you can use a brush to clean off dirt or oil also. Ultra sonic jewelry cleaners may also be used on CZ and will not damage the stone. However, when using soaps or detergents to clean CZ, one should wipe the jewelry dry thoroughly to avoid residue from the soap leaving a film that will dull the brilliance of the stone. Cubic Zirconia should be cleaned frequently to remove oils from skin that also dull the brilliance of the gem.
 

Mystic CZ Jewelry (Mystic Ice):

Mystic CZ are done with the same process as the Mystic Topaz and by the same laboratory . It is a lab created cubic zirconia enhanced with a US patented coating technology. A thin film is applied to the stone. This process is called “physical vapor deposition”; it uses various minerals. No harsh chemicals or radiation is used. This process produces a kaleidoscope of colors.



Because cubic zirconia have "fire" that topaz lacks the results with cz gemstones are even more spectacular visually than with topaz. Mystic fire topaz has rich deep colors while with mystic ice cz jewelry there is more brilliance, sparkle, and fire, as well as a greater rainbow effect. Unless you specifically love topaz, you will not be disappointed in your mystic ice cz jewelry.



We also carry mystic topaz jewelry.



The coating is durable and hard and will last a lifetime provided that it is not exposed to any abrasive, acids, high heat or immersed in an ultrasonic cleaner. To clean it, simply use mild soap and water or windex.

 

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