Where is Diamond Simulant found?
Cubic Zirconia or Moissanite (likely synthetic)
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Open the appDiamond Simulant occurs in specific geological environments. Knowing where to look, and in what kind of rock, is the difference between going home empty-handed and finding a great specimen.
Where to find Diamond Simulant
Laboratories and Manufacturing Facilities
Cubic Zirconia is produced globally, with major manufacturing centers in Russia, China, and Thailand. Synthetic Moissanite is primarily produced by Charles & Colvard in the United States, though other manufacturers exist.
Collecting tips
- Distinguishing from Natural Diamond. Use a diamond tester (thermal or electrical conductivity). CZ is a thermal insulator, Moissanite is an electrical conductor (similar to diamond but different thermal properties). Observe fire/dispersion: Moissanite has significantly higher fire than diamond. Examine facet junctions: Moissanite often shows double refraction (facet doubling) under magnification, which diamond does not. Check specific gravity: CZ (5.6-6.0) is much denser than diamond (3.52); Moissanite (3.22) is slightly less dense than diamond.
- Identifying CZ vs. Moissanite. Moissanite is harder (9.25 on Mohs) than CZ (8-8.5). Moissanite exhibits double refraction, which can be seen by looking through the crown facets at the pavilion facets. CZ is singly refractive. Moissanite often has needle-like inclusions visible under magnification, while CZ is typically flawless.
Quick Check
- Color:
- Colorless (most common), but can be any color.
- Luster:
- Adamantine to sub-adamantine.
- Streak:
- White (as they are harder than the streak plate).
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