Zircon is a mineral belonging to the nesosilicates group. Although colorless varieties are often considered a diamond alternative, the beauty and vibrancy of other natural colors of Zircon make it a desirable gem in its own right. This broad spectrum of colors makes Zircon popular with collectors, with blue being the most desirable hue.

Background and Types of Zircon

Zircons is the most ancient material on the planet, and a tiny fragment of Zircon found in Australia has been dated at over 4.4 billion years old - only 150 million years younger than the earth itself. Having survived such a period, it is perhaps unsurprising that Zircon is one of the most durable gemstones known to man, with a hardness rating of 6.5 - 7.5 on the Mohs scale.

Zircon is commonly found in Cambodia, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Vietnam and other south-east Asian countries, but it is Australia that leads the way in Zircon mining, accounting for up to 40% of the world’s stocks.

Common colors of Zircon include yellow, green, orange and red, and colorless varieties also exist. Almost all gem forms of Zircon are heat-treated to further enhance their color, and through this process semi-transparent, brown and reddish-brown stones can be given a desirable blue hue. Different colors also have different names, with ‘Starlite’ being the name for a blue variety, ‘Matara’ the term for colorless Zircon, and Hyacinth the name for a golden-brown form.

Due to Zircon occurring in many different colors it is often mistaken for other gemstones. The most common example is colorless zircon resembling diamond, or cubic zirconia, its man-made relative. Green zircon has a similar appearance to garnet, and blue or yellow varieties are often believed to be topaz at first glance.

Uses of Zircon

As well as larger specimens being used as gemstones, Zircon has several other uses. They are used for abrasive and insulation purposes, zirconium metal is used in nuclear reactors, and zircon is a key mineral for geochronologists, who determine exact ages of rocks and fossils.

Factors That Affect Value

The main factors that affect gemstone valuation are the ‘Four C’s’ of color, cut, clarity and carat (size), as well as geographical origin.

Pure blue zircon stones have the highest value, with a medium-dark blue shade particularly valuable on a ‘per carat value’ basis. In terms of clarity, generally speaking zircon is transparent to translucent. Some crystals contain slightly (non dangerous) radioactive material which breaks down the crystal structure. These are rare in the trade, but can command high prices when they do surface. On the whole, however, zircon is not a particularly valuable gemstone.

Zircon Meanings and Properties

Zircon is the birthstone for December, and has several historical meaning and properties. In the Middle Ages it was believed to aid sleep and bring prosperity to the owner. It was also believed that the cosmos was reflected in the gemstones, and was assigned to the planet Pluto.

Some crystal healers swear by the healing powers of zircon, and believe that it will help cure blisters and varicose veins when placed on the affected part of the body. Others believe that the gem will help release sorrow and bring energy, vitality and self-confidence.