Zircon
The diamond-like gemstone
overview
- Naming : Zircon is a gemstone that has been known since ancient times and whose name probably comes from Persian and can be translated as gold. However, this is misleading because zircon comes in a wide range of colors, ranging from yellow, orange, red, brown to blue and colorless.
- Mineral group: Zircon forms its own mineral group.
- Color : Zircon has a wide range of colors from blue, red, orange, brown and green.
- Cut : To particularly emphasize its sparkle, the zircon is usually processed into a round or oval facet cut.
- Special feature : The colorless zircon is extremely popular for its shimmer. These properties are very reminiscent of a diamond, which is why it is often confused.
Quality factors
Color
The most sought-after colors of zircon are blue, red and green.
carat
The value of a gemstone is usually determined by its weight. The unit of measurement is the carat (ct), with one carat being approximately 0.2 grams. A zircon usually weighs more than other gemstones of its size.
purity
Zircon is usually very eye-clean. Gemstones with noticeable inclusions are less valuable.
cut
Zircons are usually processed into a round or oval facet cut, as this particularly highlights their shimmer.
The zircon varieties
Zircon has a radioactive component. Depending on how strong this is, a distinction is made between high zircon (in the colours orange-pink, brown, blue or transparent), medium zircon (red-yellow, green, green-brown) and low zircon (green).
Hyacinth is the name of yellow-red and red-brown zircon. The variety Jargon is characterized by its very light yellow, tending towards colorless.
Brown zircons are the most common in nature. When fired at high temperatures (between 800 and 1,000 ° Celsius), they acquire a blue hue that is highly sought after. One such gemstone is called starlite.
The Kaduna zircon, which comes from Nigeria, is characterized by its honey-yellow color.
Special Zircons
One of the largest cut zircons is the 105.90 carat brown zircon from Thailand. Today it is part of the collection of the Smithsonian Institution.
Special occasions
birthstone
Together with turquoise and tanzanite, zircon is considered the birthstone for December.
occurrence of zircon
Africa
Important zircon deposits are located in Tanzania and Madagascar.
Asia & Australia
Other zircon deposits are in China, Myanmar, Cambodia and Australia
jewelry with zircon
Are you interested in a piece of jewelry with zircon? We would be happy to create an individual piece of jewelry according to your wishes. Simply contact us without obligation by phone or via our contact form.
Zircon selection at RENÉSIM
Would you like to buy a loose zircon? At RENÉSIM you will only receive high-quality gemstones.
Further articles
Zircon is often confused with zirconia.
Learn more about the diamond-like gemstone zirconia.
Buy gemstones
Things to know
