Cubic Zirconia Mystic Topaz
Cubic zirconia mystic topaz is a combination of two precious stones using a controlled procedure. Mystic topaz is basically a plain topaz gemstone with cubic zirconia deposits all over its surface.
In this article, we’ll see some of the most essential features of the enhanced topaz crystal, its origins, uses, maintenance tips, and much more.
History of Cubic Zirconia Mystic Topaz
The first kind of cubic zirconia was discovered in 1892 as baddeleyite – one of CZ’s rarest crystals. Synthesis of cubic zirconia will not happen until the 1920s when scientists were able to stabilize its artificial production in a lab. However, synthesis of mystic topaz crystals happened in the late 1990s.
Russian scientists were the first to perfect a synthesis technique capable of mass-producing cubic zirconia. The first batch of mass-produced cubic zirconia became widely available in Russia from 1977.
Cubic zirconia mystic topaz came onto the scene at a jewelry fair in 1998. The stones became a popular crystal after then and has become a popular option for jewelers, designers, and shoppers since its first public display.
How to Make Cubic Zirconia Mystic Topaz
Cubic zirconia mystic topaz forms through chemical vapor deposition, commonly called CVD. The process deposits cubic zirconia crystals onto a plain topaz gemstone, producing a unique blend of crystals with different colors and angles.
Uses of Cubic Zirconia Mystic Topaz
Cubic zirconia mystic topaz is mostly useful as loose gemstones or as adornments on jewelry pieces.
Chemical Properties of Cubic Zirconia Mystic Topaz
- Chemical composition: Cubic zirconia
- Hardness (Mohs’ Scale): 8.0 – 8.5
- Density: 5.8 g/cm3
- Refractive Index: 2.15 – 2.18
- Dispersion: 0.058 – 0.066
- Heat Resistance: 500°C – 600°C
- Fracture: Conchoidal
- Specific Gravity: 5.6-6.0 g/cm3
- Chemical composition: Topaz
- Main element(s) formula: Al2SiO4(F,OH)2
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
- Cleavage: Perfect
- Fracture: Subconchoidal to uneven
- Mohs scale hardness: 8 (defining mineral)
- Luster: Vitreous
- Streak: White
- Diaphaneity: Transparent
- Specific gravity: 3.49 – 3.57
- Optical properties: Biaxial
- Refractive index: 1.606 – 1.638
- Birefringence: 0.010
- Pleochroism: Weak
Maintenance Tips for Cubic Zirconia Mystic Topaz
Cubic zirconia mystic topaz needs regular maintenance to restore its brilliance and shine. How a cubic zirconia mystic topaz crystal receives maintenance largely depends on its setting base, mount design and other factors.
You can clean cubic zirconia mystic topaz gemstones with similar techniques used to maintain real diamonds. Some of the most effective methods are:
Liquid soap
Adding liquid soap to warm water could be enough to clean the surface of your cubic zirconia mystic topaz crystals. All you need to do is add liquid soap to water at a 1:4 ratio. Next, rub the surface of this crystal gently to remove any dirt or oils from its finish.
Polishing
You can use a polishing cloth of soft cotton to clean cubic zirconia mystic topaz jewelry. First, rub the gemstone’s surface gently with this cloth to ensure all dirt and debris come off. Polishing cloths come in handy to remove oils and dirt from cubic zirconia mystic topaz jewelry and leaves a better shine and attractive sparkle.
Commercial cleaning solution
Several cleaning solvents can work to retain the shine and brilliance of several cubic zirconia mystic topaz gemstones. However, you need to read the instructions to know if such solutions are ideal for your cubic zirconia mystic topaz gemstone or its holding metal.