What are the alternatives to diamonds
1. Zircon
Dispersion value: 0.038
Refractive index: 1.925-1.984
Zircon is a semi-precious stone and is the most common substitute for diamonds. There are also natural zircons, called hyacinths, which are very rare, can be bought and worn, and have a certain collection value.
However, synthetic zircon, or zircon with inferior quality is not only worthless, but also easy to cause harm to the human body.d
2. White sapphire
Dispersion value: 0.28-0.33
Refractive index: 1.762-7.770
White sapphire is white corundum. Except for its color, it has the same properties as rubies and sapphires, but white is a relatively low-value one in the colorful sapphire group, so it is often used to impersonate diamonds.
The inclusions of white sapphires are different from diamonds, and their luster is dim, and there is almost no colorful neon fire like diamonds, so it is easier to distinguish.
3. Rhinestones
Dispersion value: 0.044
Refractive index: 2.417
Diamonds and rhinestones look very similar, but the two are quite different. Rhinestones are just a general term for imitation diamonds, not diamonds.
The main ingredient of rhinestones is crystal glass, which is a kind of accessory accessory by cutting natural crystal glass into diamond facets. This material has a diamond-like eye-catching visual effect, so it is often regarded as a diamond and becomes its substitute.
The easiest way to distinguish between rhinestones and diamonds is to find a piece of glass and lightly scratch with a diamond. There will be obvious scratches, while the rhinestones will not have scratches.
4. sphene
Dispersion value: 0.051
Refractive index: 1.900～2.034
Sphene is an island-like silicate mineral belonging to the monoclinic system. It has strong gloss (due to high refractive index RI1.89-2.02) and strong surface reflection; high dispersion, dispersion value of 0.051, fire can be seen in the finished sphene; strong birefringence, DR 0.130, double image visible to the naked eye, engraved The distance between the double shadow lines of the face ridge is relatively wide; the characteristic rare earth spectrum and other characteristics.
