How to identify Diamond Simulant

To correctly identify Diamond Simulant (Cubic Zirconia or Moissanite (likely)), check each of these features in order. Many rocks and minerals look alike, so cross-reference multiple properties before deciding.

Step-by-step identification

1. 1

   Color

   Overall color and any zoning or banding

   Typically colorless (D-F range on diamond color scale), but can be produced in various colors.

2. 2

   Luster

   How the surface reflects light: metallic, vitreous, dull

   Adamantine to sub-adamantine, often appearing slightly more 'oily' or 'glassy' than diamond.

3. 3

   Texture

   Grain size and surface feel: coarse, fine, glassy

   Smooth, faceted surfaces.

4. 4

   Crystal Form

   Shape of visible crystals or crystal faces

   Cubic (Cubic Zirconia), Hexagonal (Moissanite). Cut into various gemstone shapes.

5. 5

   Cleavage

   How it breaks: flat cleavage planes vs irregular fracture

   Cubic Zirconia: None. Moissanite: Imperfect basal cleavage.

6. 6

   Geological Environment

   The rock formation and setting where it occurs

   Not found in geological environments; synthesized in laboratories.

Key Facts

Hardness

Cubic Zirconia: 8-8.5 (Mohs); Moissanite: 9.25 (Mohs)

Specific Gravity

Cubic Zirconia: 5.6-6.0; Moissanite: 3.22

Crystal System

Cubic (Cubic Zirconia); Hexagonal (Moissanite)

Color

Colorless, but can be synthesized in various colors

Luster

Adamantine to sub-adamantine

Transparency

Transparent

Fracture

Conchoidal

Cleavage

Cubic Zirconia: None; Moissanite: Imperfect basal

Composition

Cubic Zirconia: Zirconium Dioxide (ZrO2); Moissanite: Silicon Carbide (SiC)

Physical characteristics

• Crystal Habit: Typically faceted into gemstone cuts; raw crystals are isometric (CZ) or hexagonal (Moissanite)
• Cleavage Type: Cubic Zirconia: None; Moissanite: Imperfect basal
• Fracture Type: Conchoidal
• Tenacity: Brittle
• Luster Type: Adamantine to sub-adamantine

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