Comparison · Precious Stones vs Semi-Precious Stones
Diamond vs Zircon
Diamond and Zircon are easy to confuse. Diamond is harder (Mohs 10) than Zircon (Mohs 7.5), so Diamond will scratch Zircon and not the other way round. It scratches glass, steel and even quartz; only harder gems will mark it. Below is a side-by-side comparison of their properties and the quick tests that separate them.
Key differences between Diamond and Zircon
- Diamond is harder (Mohs 10) than Zircon (Mohs 7.5), so Diamond will scratch Zircon and not the other way round. It scratches glass, steel and even quartz; only harder gems will mark it.
- Streak color differs: Diamond leaves a none streak on unglazed porcelain, Zircon leaves white.
- Zircon feels noticeably heavier for its size (specific gravity 4.6 versus 3.52 for Diamond).
- They overlap in clear, yellow, and blue, but Diamond also comes in pink and black and Zircon also comes in red, green, and brown.
- Well-formed crystals give it away: Diamond is cubic, Zircon is tetragonal.
Diamond vs Zircon properties
| Property | Diamond | Zircon |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Precious Stones | Semi-Precious Stones |
| Mohs hardness | 10 | 7.5 |
| Luster | adamantine | adamantine |
| Streak | None | White |
| Transparency | transparent | transparent |
| Specific gravity | 3.52 | 4.6 |
| Crystal system | cubic | tetragonal |
| Common colors | Colorless, Yellow, Blue, Pink, Black | Colorless, Blue, Red, Yellow, Green, Brown |
| Rarity | legendary | uncommon |
| Typical specimen value | $1000–$100000+ | $50–$2000+ |
Which is more valuable?
Diamond is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $5000 against $200 for Zircon, and premium Diamond can reach $100000 or more.
About Diamond
Diamond is the hardest known natural material, composed of carbon atoms in a crystal structure. It's the ultimate symbol of luxury and eternal love.
About Zircon
Zircon is one of the oldest minerals on Earth, with some crystals over 4 billion years old. Not to be confused with synthetic cubic zirconia.
Diamond vs Zircon FAQ
Is Diamond the same as Zircon?
No. Diamond is a precious stone while Zircon is a semi-precious stone. Diamond is harder (Mohs 10) than Zircon (Mohs 7.5), so Diamond will scratch Zircon and not the other way round. It scratches glass, steel and even quartz; only harder gems will mark it.
How can you tell Diamond from Zircon?
Diamond is harder (Mohs 10) than Zircon (Mohs 7.5), so Diamond will scratch Zircon and not the other way round. It scratches glass, steel and even quartz; only harder gems will mark it. Streak color differs: Diamond leaves a none streak on unglazed porcelain, Zircon leaves white. Zircon feels noticeably heavier for its size (specific gravity 4.6 versus 3.52 for Diamond).
Which is harder, Diamond or Zircon?
Diamond is harder: Mohs 10 against Mohs 7.5 for Zircon.
Which is more valuable, Diamond or Zircon?
Diamond is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $5000 against $200 for Zircon, and premium Diamond can reach $100000 or more.
