Cubic zirconia rings are much less expensive than diamond rings. A cubic zirconia ring may cost around $700 while a diamond ring can cost upwards of $40,000. Cubic zirconia is a much less valuable stone than diamond is and cubic zirconia rings are priced as such.

Only as an impurity, in traces. The correct term is cubic zirconia (ZrO2), not cubic zirconium (Zr).

Minerals are, by definition, naturally occurring. Since cubic zirconia is synthesized in a lab, it is not considered a mineral.

Geologists define minerals as occurring naturally. As cubic zirconia is synthesized in a lab, it is not considered a mineral

Cubic zirconia can be purchased at a variety of offline retailers. Many big-box discount stores such as Target, Wal-Mart, K-Mart, and Kohls carry cubic zirconia jewelry.