Zirconia

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Zirconia (Zr O₂) is a white crystalline oxide of zirconium that is used as a refractory, in insulation, abrasives, enamels and glazes.

Zirconia is popularly known in its cubic crystal structure as a diamond simulant. This state of zirconia is commonly called "cubic zirconium" or "zircon" by jewellers, but these names are not chemically accurate.

Zirconia is also very useful in its 'stabilized' state. A small addition of certain special oxides (such as magnesium oxide, yttrium oxide, calcium oxide) fully or partially stabilizes the tetragonal phase of zirconia at room temperature. A significant stress, such as the stress at a crack tip, can then transform this into the monoclinic crystalline form. This mechanism is known as transformation toughening, and significantly extends the reliability and lifetime of products made with stabilized zirconia. The material is used in making critical load-bearing components such as bearings, hip implants and even dental crowns and bridges.

Zirconia also occurs as a white powder and possesses both acidic and basic properties. On account of its infusibility, and brilliant luminosity when incandescent, it was used as an ingredient of sticks for limelight.

Zirconium silicate (ZrSiO₄), a natural mixture of zirconia and silica, is called zircon. Its transparent form is used as a gemstone, and its opaque form as a refractory. There is a red variety called hyacinth and a yellow or brown variety from Sri Lanka called jargon.

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