Firing Cubic Zirconias in Metal Clay

by Tammy Honaman, Author, Jewelry-Making Expert and Educator,

Exclusively for Fire Mountain Gems and Beads®

In this chart, learn appropriate firing temperatures and times when designing with metal clay and cubic zirconia stones. Firing temperatures and times vary according to the color of cubic zirconia being used; certain colors will not withstand any firing in metal clay designs.

	1110°F/30 minutes	1110°F/2 hours	1200°F/20 minutes	1290°F/10 minutes	1470°F/30 minutes	1560°F/20 minutes	1650°F/10 minutes
Alexandrite purple	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Amethyst purple	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Aqua blue	No	No	No	No	No	No	No
Champagne	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Emerald green	Yes	No	No	No	No	No	No
Garnet red	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Lavender	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Orange	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Peridot green	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Pink	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Ruby red	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Sapphire rose	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Spinel blue	No	No	No	No	No	No	No
Spinel white	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Topaz gold	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Zircon blue	No	No	No	No	No	No	No