In this article we'll be taking a look at a few popular diamond simulants. Simulated diamonds get their name because they "simulate" the look of the real thing, but are not actually lab created or real diamonds.
Cubic zirconia
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Cubic zirconia, sometimes referred to as 'CZ' or 'Russian Brilliant' is one of the most common diamond simulants. It normally has no color and is optically flawless. Chemically it is a form of zirconium dioxide. With moissanite running a close second, this is the greatest competitor to true diamonds because of its affordability and availability.
Moissanite
Moissanite, or Silicon Carbide is named after Henri Moussan, who discovered it in Canyon Diablo in Arizona. Today a synthetic version is a popular replacement for a diamond in jewelry and is used exclusively for this purpose as naturally ocurring Moissanite is extremely rare. Moissanite shares some of the physical properties of real diamond. It is extremely hard, but not as hard as a diamond. Moissanite has more color and sparkle than a true diamond.
Yttrium Aluminium Garnet (YAG) and Gadolinium Gallium Garnet (GGG)
These diamond simulants are known for their durability and clarity. Since the development of the much cheaper cubic zirconia, These are rarely produced. Both types of garnets can be produced in a wide range of colors.
Colourless Synthetic Corundum (Sapphire)
Synthetic Sapphires are very simple to create - they were actually the first gemstone to be reproduced in the lab. As such there is a large supply, and these stones should be quite cheap. However they are still a nice looking stone and can be a good substitute for a diamond.
Simulated Diamonds GARNET
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