Zircon
A fire-colored stone with 4.4 billion years of Earth's history.
📜 History and Stories
Zircon is the oldest known mineral on Earth. Zircon crystals found in Western Australia have been measured to be nearly 4.4 billion years old, almost as old as the Earth. Its English name, Zircon, may be derived from the Persian word "zargun", meaning "golden".
Blue zircons were popular in Victorian times. Colorless zircons were used as a substitute for diamonds before they became popular because of their intense fire. Please note that natural zircon (Zircon) and man-made Cubic Zirconia (CZ) are completely different substances.
🌍 Major Origin Distribution
The main sources of gem-quality zircons are Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Myanmar and Australia. Of these, the Cambodian province of Ratanakiri is an important source of high-quality blue zircons (often heat-treated from brown zircons).
📍 Discover the Blue Zircon Origin: Ratanakiri, Cambodia🔬 Gemological Properties
| characterization | descriptive |
|---|---|
| Chemical composition | Zirconium silicate `(ZrSiO₄)` |
| Mohs hardness | 6.5 - 7.5 |
| index of refraction | 1.810 - 2.024 (high) |
| dispersion value | 0.039 (high, near diamond) |
| Key Features | Strong fire color, strong birefringence |
Zircon vs.
✨ Fire color comparable to diamonds
The most striking characteristic of zircon is its high dispersion value, which means that, like a diamond, it breaks down white light into a seven-color spectrum, producing a dazzling "fire". This is why high quality colorless zircons are so visually brilliant.
💡
light penetration
💎
High Dispersion Crystals
🌈
It breaks down into seven colors of light.
💰 Different quality grades and values
The value of a zircon is determined by its color, clarity and intensity of fire. The most popular zircon on the market is heat-treated blue zircon.
1. Color
Blue and green colors are the rarest and most valuable. Red and colorless are also popular. Browns and yellows are more common.
2. Clarity
Gem-quality zircons are usually clean to the naked eye, and inclusions can affect their fire.
3. Cut
It is usually brilliantly cut to maximize its fire. Due to its strong birefringence, it needs to be cut with precision.
4. heat treatment
Common brown zircons can be heat-treated to blue or colorless, the most popular colors on the market.
Different Colors of the Value Ladder
The value of zircons varies by color. Heat-treated, vivid blue zircons are the most valuable, followed by natural green and red varieties.
💖 Symbolism
🗓️
December Birthstone
Shares the honor of being December's birthstone with tanzanite and turquoise.
💡
Wisdom and Prosperity
It is considered to bring wisdom, wealth and honor to help achieve goals.
🛡️
Protection and Hospice
In the Middle Ages, zircons were believed to promote restful sleep and dispel evil spirits.
🛡️ Care and Wear
Zircons are moderately hard, but brittle and prone to chipping or cracking on impact, so they should be worn with care.
💥
Avoid collisions
Brittle texture, not suitable for strenuous activities.
💎
Separate storage
Avoid scratching with harder stones.
☀️
Avoid sun exposure
Heat-treated blue zircons may fade.
🧼
Gentle and clean
Warm soapy water and a soft brush are the best choices.
👑 celebrities and fashion
Zircons are popular among jewelry designers for their affordable price and brilliance comparable to diamonds. Many designers use its rich color and sparkle to create stylish and eye-catching pieces. It is often used to personalize rings, earrings and pendants, adding a touch of color to everyday wear.