Cubic Zirconia, a man made crystal not to be confused with Zircon, Zirconia or Zirconium, is formed in a much quicker manner than a naturally occurring gemstone. It is said though, that German mineralogist detected and identified Cubic Zirconia in a natural setting in the early 1900s; but have to this day been unable to locate another strain.
The material is said to originally be created for use as a refractory material that would be impervious to high heat and chemical damage, hoping to use it for lasers and other optical operations. Although Cubic Zirconia is not as hard as a diamond, it will indeed cut glass just the same, as long as it has a quality cut and professional polish.
Clear when created in the lab, different minerals may be added to create a wide range of beautiful colors. The Cubic Zirconia and its hard, brilliant adamantine luster and robustly refracted clarity, has been favored by venerable sages and seers.