Is black zirconium durable? Yes, it’s safe to say your black zirconium ring will absolutely stand the test of time. You see, black zirconium is made by exposing zirconium to heat, which causes it to undergo a chemical reaction and form a zirconium oxide layer. This means that a black zirconium’s rings’ durability is even greater than that of raw zirconium. As a result, these rings are highly resistant to shattering and won’t fade or tarnish either. Despite the strength of black zirconium rings, treating them with care, as you would with any sentimental jewellery, is still important. This may involve taking your ring off before participating in any strenuous activity.