Does Cubic Zirconia Turn Green: Facts vs Myths

Did you ever have the slightest sense of recklessness in gifting yourself a dazzling piece of cubic zirconia jewelry only because you stopped to ask yourself, "Does cubic zirconia turn green?" 

A rising concern that haunts jewelry collectors, avid enthusiasts, and aficionados. For CZ jewel lovers and avid followers who give painstaking attention to detail, it concerns those who seek the luxury look of a diamond without the hefty price tags. 

You could never imagine anything worse than ghosting an enduringly beautiful, charming, elegant, and sparkling CZ ring, only to worry yourself with an unexpected discoloration or that dreaded green stain on your skin. 

With many such rumors afloat, it can be challenging to separate fact from fiction. You undoubtedly want to adorn your CZ jewel with confidence, and it is your right to know, clearly and precisely, what you are investing in. 

In this detailed guide, we debunk the myths surrounding cubic zirconia discoloration. Here we take you deep into the science behind the stone, explain whether your finger would stain (Fact: It is not the gem!), and outline the steps you would follow to maintain the remarkable brilliance of your collection. 

At LA Chic Jewelry, we have spent over 35 years mastering the art of AAA certified Cubic Zirconia, so let us put your mind at ease.

Cubic Zirconia: What is It? 

How do you know if your CZ turns green? You first need to figure out what CZ is. Cubic zirconia (CZ) is termed the top-end synthetic crystal fabricated from zirconium dioxide. 

The diamond-simulant, holding its much-coveted brilliance, clarity, and sparkle intact, is celebrated for its virtually colorless appearance, a dazzle that would challenge that of natural diamonds. 

In a lab-created gemstone, the process involves melting zirconium oxide powder at high temperatures. What’s produced, therefore, is an incredibly flawless, transparent crystal that possesses a hardness of 8 to 8.5 on the Mohs scale. The diamond lookalike’s remarkable hardness makes it difficult to scratch. Unlike mined gems, high-quality CZ has no internal flaws, offering a consistent, diamond-like shine.

Cubic Zirconia Turns Green?: Facts vs Myths

There has always been a lot of confusion about the CZ discoloration. Let us break down facts considering the stone’s stability and reliability. 

Stability in Chemical Composition

• Fact: CZ is a stable zirconium dioxide. There is a negligible occurrence of copper or any such reactive metals that oxidize. The crystal, therefore, stays colorless. 

• Myth: Most people believe that CZ stones are mixed with impurities, which cause the green tarnish. The fact is, pure CZ does not contain any metallic elements, even in trace amounts, and hence no such reaction occurs. 

Reacting with Metal Settings: 

• Fact: Pure CZ does not react with or impact metal settings at all. The green discoloration we debate is caused by the base metals, primarily copper, in the ring setting, which tarnish over time. 

• Myth: It is commonly considered that the presence of the stone changes the pH of the skin. The green discoloration, in fact, comes from the metal band, not CZ. 

Effects Due to Skin Contact  

• Fact: The pH of the skin and sweat does react with the metal, but only the one present in the jewelry setting. If sweat has a higher pH, it would accelerate tarnishing, particularly in lower-quality metals. CZ, however, remains inert and does not react with the skin. 

• Myth: A commonly held belief is that cubic zirconia reacts with the skin, causing allergic reactions and turning it green. The skin pH never alters upon contact. Since the stone is inert, any reaction occurs when the metal comes into contact with the skin. 

Exposure to the Environment

• Fact: The obvious contact with being exposed to UV light and harsh chemicals could etch the surface of CZ stone over time, thereby leaving it dull. Metals nearby could cause the residue to deposit on the gem. 

• Myth: It is a common misconception that CZ could break down into green crystals under sunlight. This is absolutely false, and all such dangers could be averted with thorough care and regular maintenance. 

Regular Maintenance and Adequate Cleaning

• Fact: Cleaning with mild soap and water is appropriate for maintaining CZ quality. Harsh chemicals and toxic abrasives damage the plating on the setting, not the stone. 

• Myth: You quite commonly hear that cleaning CZ too often causes a green patina. Actually, regular cleaning prevents the buildup that subdues the sparkle.

Could Cubic Zirconia Turn Your Finger Green? 

The short and crisp answer is no. The stone itself, in particular, could never turn your finger green. Cubic zirconia certainly is non-reactive. If you notice a green ring around your finger, the culprit is the metal setting. 

It is the presence of these base metals, including copper and nickel, in a lower-grade plating that oxidizes when it comes into contact with skin oils and moisture. The reaction leaves a resultant green residue. To avoid this, opt for top-quality settings such as solid gold or sterling silver. At LA Chic Jewelry, our masters ensure every piece is crafted to prevent these reactions. Inquire now about our custom rings to see the difference quality makes.

The Green Discoloration- Is It Harmful to Skin? 

Seeing a green stain on the skin out of nowhere can feel alarming, but it's generally harmless. This is typically a smear caused by a chemical reaction between your skin's pH and the metals in the jewelry's plating. 

Generally, nothing to worry about, as this is not an allergic reaction, though commonly misunderstood as one, and potentially washed off with soap. However, choosing hypoallergenic materials keeps you secure if you have sensitive skin. 

Factors that Contribute to Cubic Zirconia Color Change

Because the crystal has a stable structure, many external factors affect the appearance of CZ jewelry. 

• Harmful Chemicals: Excessive use of chlorine and other cleaning agents could damage the stone’s surface. 

• Cosmetics: Reactive reagents from various hairsprays and lotions could leave debris that removes shine.

• UV Light: Prolonged exposure to UV rays may lead to minor cloudiness. 

• Low-Grade Plating: Inferior metals in the setting can oxidize, causing color transfer to the stone. 

Steps to Care for Your Cubic Zirconia Jewelry

To keep your CZ jewelry looking replenished, rejuvenated, sparkling as ever, and brand new, given below are a few simple tips you could follow:

1. Clean More Smoothly and More Often: Use warm water and a milder soap.

2. Abstain from Chemicals: Avoid perfumes and household cleaners.

3. Store Separately: Avoid scratches or dings by applying a soft pouch.

4. Do Not Wear During Physical Activities: Sweat and knocks can damage settings.

5. Check Settings Regularly: Ensure your stones are securely in place.

Is There a Variation in Cubic Zirconia Quality?

Absolutely! Not every CZ is created the same. The quality of CZ depends on how precisely the cut is executed, further underscoring the manufacturing standards. 

At LA Chic Jewelry, we specialize in AAA-certified Cubic Zirconia. Top-grade stones are manufactured under strict restrictions to guarantee zero internal flaws and maximum light refraction. 

Poor-quality stones found possessing uneven cuts or thin plating that wears away, potentially leading to the discoloration issues mentioned earlier. When you choose a reputable manufacturer, you are investing in reliability and longevity. Schedule a call with us to learn more about our manufacturing process.