Tourmaline vs Cubic zirconia
Cubic zirconia is harder (Mohs 8–8.5) than Tourmaline (Mohs 7–7.5), so it resists scratching better.
Cubic zirconia has the higher refractive index (2.15–2.18 vs 1.624–1.644), which a refractometer (over-the-limit reading) can use to separate them.
Cubic zirconia is denser (SG 5.8 vs 3.06); a cubic zirconia of the same size weighs about 90% more.
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| Property | Tourmaline | Cubic zirconia |
|---|---|---|
| Species / material | Tourmaline | Synthetic zirconium oxide |
| Mohs hardness | 7–7.5 | 8–8.5 |
| Refractive index | 1.624–1.644 | 2.15–2.18 |
| Specific gravity | 3.06 | 5.8 |
| Crystal system | Trigonal | Cubic |
| Birefringence | 0.014–0.021 | None (isotropic) |
Values are typical ranges from standard gemmological references; individual stones can vary.
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