The difference between zircon and diamond What is the difference between zircon and diamond

Diamond is the most precious gem in the world. Its price is very high, and its production is very small, which can't meet the market demand at all. Therefore, many fake diamonds have appeared. Zircon is one of them. Many people who don't know the difference between zircon and diamond don't know the difference at all. They often buy low-value zircon at the price of diamond. Today I will give a detailed introduction to these two substances, so that you can understand the difference between them.

The difference between zircon and diamond

1. The biggest difference between zircon and diamond is their hardness. Diamond is the hardest mineral in the world with a hardness of ten, while the best quality zircon has a hardness of only 8.5. However, the hardness cannot be distinguished by touch and requires the use of professional tools.

2. There are also certain differences in color between zircon and diamond. Although the colors of the two substances are similar when viewed with the naked eye, diamond is a homogeneous body. If you view it under a crossed polarizing microscope, it is completely black. However, when zircon is viewed under a crossed polarizing microscope, four parts are bright and four parts are dark.

3. The difference between zircon and diamond also lies in their lipophilicity. Zircon has poor lipophilicity. When people apply oily paint on its surface, only clear marks will be left. However, when people apply oily paint on the surface of diamond with an oil pen, diamond can absorb the oily substance.

4. There is also a clear difference in the refractive index between zircon and diamond. Diamond is an equiaxed crystal and this material does not have the phenomenon of double refraction. However, zircon is different from diamond in that it has obvious double refraction. In addition, the edges of this mineral are relatively soft when faceted and are not as sharp as diamond.

5. There is also a significant difference in the thermal conductivity of zircon and diamond. The thermal conductivity of diamond is particularly high. If you have a thermal conductivity meter at home, you can clearly see the difference between them. If you don't have a thermal conductivity meter, you can distinguish them by blowing air on them. When people blow air on diamond and zircon at the same time, the mist on the surface of diamond dissipates particularly quickly, while the mist on the surface of zircon dissipates relatively slowly.