Cubic zirconia is one of the most loved stones in modern jewelry, yet it’s surrounded by myths that can confuse even the most dedicated fashion lovers. To help you shop with confidence and enjoy sparkle to the fullest, here are the top 10 myths and facts every woman should know, grounded in real science, gemology, and industry expertise.
For a deeper dive into the material itself, explore our full cubic zirconia guide, which breaks down everything from origin to care in a way that’s both empowering and easy to understand.
Myth 1: Cubic zirconia tarnishes like metal
Cubic zirconia doesn’t tarnish because it isn’t a metal; it’s a fully oxidized ceramic oxide that remains chemically stable over time. Research published in American Mineralogist explains that cubic zirconia is already in its most oxidized state, which means it won’t corrode, discolor, or react the way metals do. While the metal setting may require care, the CZ stone itself keeps its clarity and brilliance.
Myth 2: Cubic zirconia turns green
Cubic zirconia does not change color on its own. If a piece starts looking green or darkened, the culprit is the metal, not the stone, especially in alloys that contain copper or in gold-plated pieces where the plating has worn down. The CZ itself stays clear and bright; any discoloration comes from the setting reacting to the skin, moisture, or everyday wear.
Myth 3: Water damages cubic zirconia
Water does not damage cubic zirconia. CZ is a stable ceramic material, so it can get wet without losing its clarity or structure. What can be affected by water, humidity, or soap is the metal setting, not the stone, especially in plated finishes or softer alloys. The zirconia itself stays perfectly intact.
Myth 4: You can’t wear cubic zirconia in the shower
Cubic zirconia isn’t affected by hot water, steam, or soap; its structure remains completely stable. What can happen is that product buildup (from shampoo, conditioner, or body wash) settles on the surface, making the stone look dull. This isn’t real damage; it’s just residue, and a quick clean brings the CZ back to its bright, glassy sparkle.
Myth 5: Cubic zirconia gets cloudy because it’s of poor quality
A cloudy appearance rarely has anything to do with the quality of the stone. Most haze comes from everyday buildup, oils, lotions, makeup, soap, and dust settling on the surface, not from a flaw in the cubic zirconia itself.
Educational materials from the University of Oregon note that CZ can pick up tiny surface scratches over time due to normal wear, which may slightly reduce sparkle, but this is a usage effect, not a sign of low quality. With regular cleaning, CZ stays clear, bright, and luminous.
Myth 6: Cubic zirconia is fragile and breaks easily
Cubic zirconia is far from fragile. With a hardness of 8–8.5 on the Mohs scale, it’s as durable or even more durable, than many gemstones worn every day. It can handle regular use without chipping under normal conditions, making it a reliable choice for jewelry you love to wear often. And if you’re comparing its durability to other stones, our guide on moissanite vs. cubic zirconia, offers a helpful breakdown.
HERRADURA SIGNATURE CHARMED TENNIS LAYERED NECKLACE SET
HERRADURA SIGNATURE CHARMED TENNIS LAYERED NECKLACE SET
$ 260
Myth 7: Cubic zirconia looks nothing like a diamond
Cubic zirconia was specifically engineered to mimic a diamond’s brilliance. According to the GIA, CZ is designed with a high refractive index and strong dispersion, giving it the bright, fiery sparkle that makes it such an effective diamond simulant.
If you’re curious how its shine compares to other alternatives, our guide on cubic zirconia vs. lab diamond breaks down the differences in detail.
Myth 8: Cubic zirconia is just cheap glass
Cubic zirconia is not glass; it’s a sophisticated synthetic crystal made from zirconium dioxide stabilized in its cubic phase. The GIA explains that CZ has a completely different chemical composition and optical structure than glass, which is why it delivers such impressive brilliance and durability. Far from being “cheap glass,” it’s a carefully engineered gemstone alternative with its own high-performance beauty.
RADIANCE EMERALD FLEXIBLE TENNIS BRACELET
RADIANCE EMERALD FLEXIBLE TENNIS BRACELET
$ 149
Myth 9: Heat and sunlight can damage cubic zirconia
Cubic zirconia handles heat and sunlight exceptionally well. As a stable ceramic material, it doesn’t warp, fade, or undergo chemical changes from normal exposure to warm temperatures or UV light. Everyday sunlight, hot weather, or the heat near styling tools won’t harm the CZ itself; its brilliance and structure remain completely intact.
Myth 10: All cubic zirconia stones are the same
Not all CZ is created equal. Quality varies depending on the cut, clarity, color, and manufacturing process, which is why some stones look sharper, brighter, and more diamond-like than others. Higher-grade CZ is carefully faceted and optically cleaner, giving it a more luxurious sparkle. And if you’re exploring how stones differ based on how they’re made, our guide on lab-grown diamond jewelry trends, which shows how manufacturing impacts gemstone quality, offers helpful context.
MIX TENNIS COMPASS LAYERED NECKLACE SET
MIX TENNIS COMPASS LAYERED NECKLACE SET
$ 245
