Where is Diamond Simulant found?

Diamond 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

Collecting tips

1. Thermal Conductivity Test. Diamonds are excellent thermal conductors, while most simulants (like CZ) are not. A diamond tester (thermal probe) can differentiate them. Moissanite, however, is also a good thermal conductor and will test positive on most basic diamond testers, requiring more advanced testing.
2. Refractive Index and Dispersion. Simulants often have different refractive indices and higher dispersion ('fire') than diamond. Moissanite, in particular, exhibits strong double refraction and a higher fire than diamond, which can be visible to the naked eye as a 'rainbow' effect.
3. Specific Gravity. Cubic Zirconia is significantly denser than diamond (SG ~5.6-6.0 vs. 3.52). Moissanite (SG ~3.22) is slightly less dense than diamond. This difference can be detected by weighing stones of similar size.
4. Hardness. Diamonds are the hardest known natural material (Mohs 10). Moissanite is very hard (Mohs 9.25), while Cubic Zirconia is considerably softer (Mohs 8-8.5). This can be tested with scratch tests, though this is destructive and not recommended for finished jewelry.
5. Inclusions and Growth Patterns. Simulants are typically flawless or contain very few, distinct inclusions (e.g., gas bubbles in CZ, needle-like inclusions in Moissanite) that differ from natural diamond inclusions. Moissanite may also show faint parallel growth lines.
6. Facet Edges. Due to its lower hardness, the facet edges of older or worn CZ can appear abraded or rounded, whereas diamond edges remain sharp.

Quick Check

Color:

Colorless to various colors

Luster:

Adamantine to sub-adamantine

Streak:

White (not applicable for faceted stones)

Explore Diamond Simulant