Zircon Gemstone

Zircon is a mineral that belongs to the group of nesosilicates. It is a popular gemstone that is often used in jewelry. It is known for its brilliance, fire, and wide range of colors.

History

Zircon has been used as a gemstone for over 2000 years. It was used in ancient times for its healing properties. The name "zircon" is derived from the Persian word "zargun", which means "gold-colored".

Physical Properties

• Chemical Formula: ZrSiO4
• Color: Colorless, blue, green, yellow, orange, brown, red, pink, purple, gray, black
• Crystal System: Tetragonal
• Hardness: 7.5
• Specific Gravity: 3.93-4.73
• Cleavage: Indistinct
• Luster: Adamantine to vitreous
• Fracture: Conchoidal to uneven
• Streak: White
• Transparency: Transparent to translucent

Optical Properties

• Refractive Index: 1.810-2.024
• Birefringence: 0.056-0.060
• Dispersion: 0.038

Healing Properties

Zircon is believed to have many healing properties, including:

• Stimulating strength and courage
• Increasing vitality and stamina
• Enhancing self-confidence
• Stimulating creativity and imagination
• Boosting fertility
• Relieving pain and cramps
• Helping with sleep disorders
• Improving digestion

Birthstone

Zircon is the birthstone for the month of December.

Occurrence

Zircon is found in many countries around the world, including Australia, Brazil, Cambodia, India, Madagascar, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nigeria, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Thailand, and the United States.

Uses

Zircon is commonly used in jewelry, but it also has many other uses, including:

• Manufacturing of ceramics and glass
• Manufacturing of refractory materials
• Manufacturing of abrasives
• Manufacturing of foundry molds and cores
• Manufacturing of nuclear fuel rods
• Geochronology and radiometric dating