Hi groendog:
Thanks for the interesting question.
There are many differences between rhinestones and cubic zirconias (as
they are better known).
The most important difference is in their manufacture:
Rhinestones are made of glass (or sometimes crystal glass). Glass
itself is made of (primarily) silicon dioxide (sand), sodium oxide
(soda), and calcium oxide (lime).
For more information see:
Fantasy Jewels - The Care of Rhinestones
http://www.trocadero.com/stores/favoritethings/rhinestones.htm
Jinn's Crystal Glass
http://www.kidwizard.com/Spells/JinnsCrystalGlass.asp
Cubic zirconia, on the other hand, is made from (mostly) zirconium
oxide - and it has a much more complex and involved production
process.
For more information see:
Cubic Zirconium
http://www.penoir.com/stones/CZ.htm
Another difference is that in order to be adequately reflective of
light (i.e., to mimic real gemstones like diamonds), rhinestones must
be given a metallic finish on their reverse sides. Usually a
silver-colored coating is used. Cubic zirconia, on the other hand,
need no backing to sparkle very much like real diamonds.
The page above on cubic zirconia gives ways that they can be
distinguished from diamonds.
I hope this information helps with your research.
If you need any clarification of the information I have provided,
please ask using the clarification feature and provide me with
additional details as to what you are looking for. As well, please
allow me to provide you with clarification(s) *before* you rate this
answer.
Thank you.
websearcher-ga
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