Zircon & Moissanite
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Brilliance and Fire:
- Cubic Zirconia (CZ): CZ offers moderate brilliance and fire, not as dazzling as diamonds or moissanite, but still providing a pleasing visual effect.
- Moissanite: Moissanite's brilliance and fire exceed that of CZ, and even diamonds, making it ideal for jewelry that demands high sparkle.
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Hardness and Durability:
- Cubic Zirconia (CZ): With a Mohs hardness of about 8.5, CZ is relatively hard but may scratch with regular wear.
- Moissanite: Moissanite has a Mohs hardness of 9.25, second only to diamonds, making it highly resistant to scratches and suitable for long-term wear.
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Cost and Value:
- Cubic Zirconia (CZ): CZ is more affordable, offering a budget-friendly option for consumers.
- Moissanite: While more expensive than CZ, moissanite is less costly than diamonds and provides greater brilliance and durability, making it a high-value, premium alternative.
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Appearance and Realism:
- Cubic Zirconia (CZ): CZ resembles diamonds but can be distinguished by professionals, especially under different lighting conditions.
- Moissanite: Moissanite closely mimics the appearance of diamonds, making it difficult for the average person to tell them apart, offering a high level of realism.
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Environmental and Ethical Considerations:
- Cubic Zirconia (CZ): CZ is typically lab-created, minimizing environmental impact, though it doesn't carry specific eco-friendly labels.
- Moissanite: Also lab-created, moissanite is touted for its environmental and ethical advantages, with many brands emphasizing its eco-friendliness and ethical production.