Cubic zirconia, often abbreviated to CZ, is a synthetic stone used as a diamond simulant.
It is the oxide of the metallic element zirconium. Zirconium dioxide, known as baddeleyite, is found as a naturally occurring mineral, but with a different, monoclinic, crystalline structure. To induce it to crystallise in the cubic system, it is "doped" with small additions of other minerals, mainly yttrium or calcium. Cubic zirconia should not be confused with zircon, which is a rare naturally occurring gemstone.
CAN BEAR HIGH TEMPERATURES UP TO 840° C. Can be fired with Art Clay and Bronzclay.
CANNOT BE FIRED WITH COPPERCLAY, BECAUSE OF TOO HIGH FIRING TEMPERATURE (900°C).
Beware, those cabochons are not compatible with PureCrystal 1028 cabochon findings (settings/ring bases/earrings).