Many people have heard of but never seen zircon. This is primarily due to the widespread use of colorless zircon as a diamond substitute in the early twentieth century.
Zircon’s role has shifted for a long time because it resembles a diamond. Many people still associate it with “imitation.” This is unfortunate because zircon is a beautiful color gem that perfectly interprets folk legend and unique charm.
Zirconium silicate (ZrSiO4), which belongs to the tetragonal system, is the main component of zircon.
Zircon can bloom in a variety of stunning hues, including cinnamon, sherry, yellow, orange, and red.
Colorless zircon is well-known for emitting bright light and producing colorful scintillation light (called fire color). Because the properties of zircon are so similar to those of diamond, it has been difficult to distinguish the two gems for centuries.
Is zircon radioactive?
Granites, acid igneous rocks, metamorphic rocks, and sedimentary layers all contain zircon crystals.
Radioactive elements such as uranium (U) and thorium (Th) can be found in zircon crystals (Th). The crystal structure is destroyed over time by radioactive bombardment, resulting in brown and opaque low-grade zircon.（Low zircon jewelry is not recommended for everyone to wear）
By heating the Brown low type zircon, high transparency zircon can be obtained, and the optical and physical effects also meet the requirements of gems.
However, some of the heated blue and yellow zircons will fade over time, and reheating can restore the color.
The history of human understanding of zircon
Blue zircon was especially popular during the Victorian era, when it was commonly used in British antique jewelry (dating back to the 1880s).
Gemologist George Kunz Tiffany is a well-known gemstone buyer and zircon advocate. He once suggested the term “starlight” to describe the fire color properties of gemstones. However, the name never caught on.
Which zircons are the most popular?
Because of their high demand, blue zircons are usually more expensive than other zircons.
To satisfy their thirst for blue gems, gem buyers can purchase top Topaz at a lower cost.
Nonetheless, blue zircons continue to be popular.
Blue zircon’s market potential, according to industry analysts, has yet to be fully realized. Australia is the world’s leading producer of zircon. Myanmar, Nigeria, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam are also potential sources.
How to care for zircon jewelry？
zircon jewelry should be avoided during activities that cause wear and impact.
Furthermore, because the color of zircon is not stable, it should be stored and worn in an environment free of high temperatures, direct sunlight, and strong ultraviolet.