Gemstones Tools

Zircon

Green and yellow zircons

Of the gem species enterring the market, zircon is seen more often heat treated than in its natural state.
Blue and colorless zircons do exist in their original state but not in sufficient quantity for commercial purposes.

The name zircon is of uncertain origin. It may have come to us from the Arabic «zarkun» meaning vermillon, or from the Persian «zargun», meaning gold colored.

Two names have been given to zircon. One is «hyacinth», used for the red brown material, and the other is «jargoon» for the colorless to light yellow stones coming from Sri Lanka. These two names are now prohibited.

In the Middle Ages, zircons were believed to induce sleep, as well as promote honor and wisdom. Zircon was believed to bring prosperity to its owner, moreover, zircon was thought to drive away plagues and evil spirits.

In addition to zirconium, silicon and oxygen, zircon contains small quantities of rare earths and radioactive elements such as thorium and uranium. These inclusions give zircon differents hardnesses and properties.
Zircon is used widely in industry as the main source for the metal zirconium used in steel alloys, abrasives and jet engines.

Although colorless zircon was used in history as a diamond simulant, it has nothing to do with the now popular cubic zirconia, or zirconium oxyde which is a laboratory grown material.

Zircon is available in a wide range of colors but the most popular color is blue.

Zircon is the birthstone for December, alternating with lapis lazuli.

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