Innovations
In recent years manufacturers have sought ways of distinguishing their product by supposedly "improving" cubic zirconia. Coating finished CZs in a film of diamond-like carbon (DLC) is one such innovation, a process using chemical vapor deposition. The resulting material is purportedly harder, more lustrous and more like diamond overall. The coating is thought to quench the excess fire of CZ, while improving its refractive index, thus making it appear more like diamond. Additionally, because of the high percentage of diamond bonds in the amorphous diamond coating, the finished simulant will show a positive diamond signature in Raman spectra.
Another technique first applied to quartz and topaz has also been adapted to cubic zirconia: vacuum-sputtering an extremely thin layer of metal oxide (typically gold) on to the finished stones creates an iridescent effect. This material is marketed as "mystic" by many dealers. Unlike DLC, the effect is not permanent, as abrasion easily removes the oxide layer.
Read more about this topic: Cubic Zirconia
Famous quotes containing the word innovations:
“Great innovations should not be forced on slender majorities.”
—Thomas Jefferson (1743–1826)
“By such innovations are languages enriched, when the words are adopted by the multitude, and naturalized by custom.”
—Miguel De Cervantes (1547–1616)