cubic zirconia

American  

[zur-koh-nee-uh] / zɜrˈkoʊ ni ə /

Sometimes cubic zirconium

noun

plural

cubic zirconias

1. an artificial crystal resembling a diamond in refraction, dispersion, hardness, and color, used in jewelry. CZ

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Example Sentences

Proposed alternatives include minerals such as calcium carbonate, alpha alumina, rutile and anatase titania, cubic zirconia, and even diamond.

From Science Daily • Oct. 21, 2025

Andrew Dominik's insufferable NC-17 adaptation of Joyce Carol Oates' novel of the same name is to Marilyn Monroe what cubic zirconia are to diamonds.

From Salon • Sep. 28, 2022

Think gold bamboo earrings pierced with a neon tongue ring and 5-inch-long cubic zirconia strips.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 23, 2020

The couple did keep one or two traditional touches: They exchanged rings — a white gold band for Mr. Poms, and a white gold band with a cubic zirconia for Ms. Wynn.

From New York Times • Apr. 14, 2017

Now this might seem like no big deal, but the cubic zirconia pageant crowns are guarded more safely than the bank across the street.

From "Dumplin'" by Julie Murphy