Editing Cubic zirconia (section)

==Innovations==
Manufacturers have sought ways to distinguish their product by supposedly "improving" cubic zirconia. Coating finished cubic zirconia with 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 [[Dispersion (optics)#Dispersion in gemology|fire]] of cubic zirconia, 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 spectroscopy|Raman spectra]].

Another technique first applied to [[quartz]] and [[topaz]] has also been adapted to cubic zirconia: An [[iridescence|iridescent]] effect created by vacuum-sputtering onto finished stones an extremely thin layer of a precious metal (typically [[gold]]), or certain metal oxides, metal nitrides, or other coatings.<ref>{{cite web |title=Designer enhanced gemstones |publisher=Azotic Coating Technology, Inc. |url=http://azotic.us/gems.php |access-date=3 November 2010|year=2010}}</ref> This material is marketed as "mystic" by many dealers. Unlike diamond-like carbon and other hard synthetic ceramic coatings, the [[iridescence|iridescent]] effect made with precious metal coatings is not durable, due to their extremely low hardness and poor abrasion wear properties, compared to the remarkably durable cubic zirconia substrate.