what is simulated diamond

A simulated diamond, also known as a diamond simulant or imitation diamond, is an object or material that has gemological characteristics similar to those of a diamond, but is compositionally and visually different from a diamond. Simulants are distinct from synthetic diamonds, which are actual diamonds exhibiting the same properties as natural diamonds. Simulants are created to mimic the look and feel of a diamond, but they do not have the same chemical composition as a mined diamond. They are made out of various materials, and in most cases, they do not have the same chemical composition as a mined diamond. Some popular diamond simulants include cubic zirconia (CZ) and moissanite. The high price of gem-grade diamonds, as well as significant ethical concerns of the diamond trade, have created a large demand for diamond simulants.