How to Tell the Difference Between Zircons & Diamonds
- 1). Research the differences between diamonds and zircons. Knowledge is power, and if you know what differences to spot, you will be more successful. For example, both diamonds and zircons refract light well. Refraction refers to the bending of light while it passes through two different objects. However, a zircon possesses a lower index of refraction than a diamond, which means less light bends through it.
- 2). Weigh a zircon and a diamond separately, and take a close look at the results. The zircon will outweigh the diamond by about 50 percent. If a diamond weighs one carat, the zircon will weigh one and a half carats. So, while a zircon and a diamond may appear the same size, the zircon will always be heavier.
- 3). Look at a diamond and then a zircon under a microscope. You will notice that the diamond only refracts light once, whereas a zircon refracts light twice. In fact, because of its double refractive quality, the zircon will appear blurry or distorted under a microscope. On the other hand, the diamond will look clear and sharp.
- 4). Tap the stone lightly against a hard surface, such as a desk or table. Diamonds register on the Mohs Scale of mineral hardness at a 10, the highest rank. Zircons, conversely, fall behind at roughly seven and a half. That means that zircons chip easily. If you tap a zircon against a hard surface, small flakes of the stone will come off. A diamond will remain intact if it comes in contact with a hard surface.
Source...