What is Zircon?
Zircon is a dazzling gemstone that often gets overlooked in favor of more well known gems, but it has a charm and brilliance all its own. Chemically, zircon is a zirconium silicate mineral, and it is one of the oldest minerals on Earth, with some crystals dating back over 4.4 billion years. Despite its name, zircon is not related to cubic zirconia, a synthetic diamond simulant. With a hardness of 6.5 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale, zircon is durable and suitable for various types of jewelry.
Uses of Zircon
Zircon is a versatile gemstone that has been cherished for centuries. Its primary use is in jewelry, where it is fashioned into rings, necklaces, earrings, and bracelets. Its high refractive index and strong dispersion give it a brilliance and fire that can rival diamonds. Beyond adornment, zircon is also used in industrial applications, such as in the production of ceramics and refractory materials. In metaphysical practices, zircon is believed to promote wisdom, prosperity, and spiritual growth.
The Origin of Zircon
Zircon is found in various parts of the world, with significant deposits in Australia, which is the largest producer of this gemstone. Other notable sources include Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam. In the United States, zircon can be found in Florida and North Carolina. The gemstone forms in igneous rocks, such as granite and basalt, and is often discovered in alluvial deposits where it has been eroded from its original location.
Different Colors and Their Prices
Zircon is renowned for its wide range of colors, including blue, yellow, green, red, brown, and colorless. The most popular and valuable variety is blue zircon, which is often heat-treated to enhance its color. Colorless zircon, sometimes used as a diamond substitute, is also highly prized. Red and green zircons are rare and can command high prices. Prices can vary significantly based on color, clarity, and size.
Colorless Zircon: $50 to $200 per carat.
Blue Zircon: $100 to $300 per carat.
Yellow Zircon: $50 to $200 per carat.
Green Zircon: $150 to $500 per carat.
Red Zircon: $300 to $600+ per cart.
Properties of Zircon
Zircon is not only beautiful but also possesses several intriguing properties. It has a high refractive index and strong dispersion, which contribute to its exceptional brilliance and fire. The gemstone is also known for its transparency and clarity, often being free of inclusions. Zircon is pleochroic, meaning it can display different colors when viewed from different angles. Its durability makes it a favorite among jewelers and gem enthusiasts alike, though it can be brittle and should be handled with care.
Treatments of Zircon
To enhance its color and clarity, zircon often undergoes various treatments. Heat treatment is commonly used to produce blue zircon from brown or colorless stones. This treatment is generally stable and accepted in the gemstone industry. Irradiation is another method employed to achieve different colors, though these treatments are less common. It's important for buyers to be aware of these treatments, as they can affect the gemstone's value. Always purchase zircon from reputable dealers who disclose any treatments the stone has undergone.
