The brilliance and fire of this gemstone makes it very popular and is reasonably priced in comparison with most other gems. Well faceted white zircon gems rival diamond in brilliance. The wide variety of colors of zircon, its rarity, and its relatively low cost make it a popular collector's stone. Collectors enjoy the search for all possible colors and variations. Zircon is also a favorite of gemologists and geologists for its unique properties.
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| White Zircon from Cambodia |
Why Buy Loose Gemstones Instead of Pre-Set Jewelry?
There are many reasons, but mainly it comes down to value and choice...
When buying your zircon loose instead of as a pre-set stone, you can be sure that you are getting the best value for your money. Loose gemstones are less expensive, a better value, and you can really see what you are paying for. The most important part of getting the right price and finding the best value is to first see what you're getting. A jewelry setting will hide the inclusions inside a gem, and can deepen or brighten its color. With a loose stone you can much more easily inspect the gem and see it for what it really is. In this way you can get a better idea of its true worth and be sure you are paying a fair price.
The second advantage of buying a loose gemstone is choice. You are free to pick the exact color, cut, shape and variety of the stone for the setting of your dreams, be it yellow gold, white gold, platinum or silver; prong set or bezel set with diamond accents. You can experience the joy of creating your very own, one-of-a-kind jewelry design. Choose from a variety of jewelry settings and styles to create a completely original presentation that will perfectly suit your individual gemstone and will be as unique as you are!
| Origin | Thailand, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Norway, Germany, Russia, Madagascar, Brazil, Canada and the United States |
|---|---|
| Color | Colorless |
| Refractive Index | 1.92 - 2.01 |
| Chemical Composition | ZrSiO4 |
| Hardness | 7.5 |
| Density | 4.6-4.7 |
| Crystal Structure | Tetragonal |
Zircon is the single member of the zircon group of the nesosilicates that is suitable for use as a gemstone. In the nesosilicates, independent SiO4 tetrahedra are connected only by ionic bonds. Because the tetrahedra are not linked to form chains, sheets, groups, rings or a framework, an equidimensional crystal habit and the lack of distinct cleavage planes are prevalent. Nesosilicate structures are generally determined by the size of the interstitial cations, the positively charged atoms occupying the spaces between the connected tetrahedra. Aluminum often replaces silicon in the silicates, but such substitution occurs less frequently in the nesosilicates. Dense atomic packing causes their relatively high specific gravity and hardness. Zircon exhibits these typical characteristics.
Hafnium, a metallic element, is always present in white zircons, although the amount is usually less than four percent. Uranium and thorium are often present. The "self-irradiation", caused by the decay of these radio-active guests, sresults in damage to the atomic lattice and is responsible for the eventual alteration of the crystal to an isotropic glass. This process occurs over a long period of geologic time. Zircons thus affected are termed "metamict" and classified according to the extent of the damage sustained. "High" zircons have undergone little or no change to the lattice and are very acceptable for use as gems. "Low" and "intermediate" zircons have undergone more extensive destruction, but none present a hazard to humans.
The refractive indices vary. Low zircon can be almost isotropic and exhibit indices of 1.78 - 1.85, with a birefringence of 0.0 to 0.008 and a density of 3.9 to 4.1. Intermediate material has indices of 1.85 - 1.93 for the ordinary ray and 1.84 - 1.97 for the extraomdinary ray, birefringence of 0.008 to 0.043, and the density range of 4.1 to 4.65. High zircon refractive indices range from 1.92 - 1.94 (often 1.925) for the ordinary ray and an especially high 1.97 - 2.01 for the extraordinary ray. The birefringence is usually 0.059 but can be as low as 0.036. High zircon also has a greater specific gravity range of 4.65 - 4.8 but its usual density is 4.70. The refractive index (RI), measured using a refractometer, is an indication of the amount light rays are bent by a mineral. Birefringence is the difference between the minimum and maximum RI. When birefringence is high, light rays reflect off different parts of the back of a stone causing an apparent doubling of the back facets when viewed through the front facet.
Color
Round white zircon stones are often given a "zircon" cut which is similar to a standard round brilliant cut with an extra tier of facets at the culet. Colorless zircon is usually cut with the brilliant cut. This brings out its fire to its fullest capability.
In the middle ages, zircon was said to aid sleep, bring prosperity, and promote honour and wisdom in its owner.
The minerals jargon, hyacinth, and jacinth also contain zircon and these have been known since biblical times and are mentioned in the bible in several places. The existence of a new element within these minerals was not suspected until studies by Martin Heinrich Klaproth in the late 18th century who isolated Zircon in 1789.
Zircon has been around in jewelry for hundreds of years. It is known for its high dispersion (sparkliness) and for many years was used to imitate diamonds.
Because of its association with radioactive elements it is often used in radiometric dating. The oldest object to be discovered on Earth is a tiny grain of Zircon, 4.3 billion years old.
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