In the realm of gemstones, the term ‘natural zircon’ may not be as familiar as diamonds or rubies. However, this lesser-known gemstone holds a unique charm and a rich history that is worth exploring. So, what exactly is a natural zircon? Let’s delve into the fascinating world of this gemstone and uncover its secrets.
Natural zircon is a mineral belonging to the nesosilicates group. Its chemical name is zirconium silicate, and it is known in the mineralogical world for its high refractive index and strong dispersion. These properties give natural zircon an exceptional brilliance and fire, often compared to that of a diamond.
One of the most intriguing aspects of natural zircon is its age. Zircon crystals are among the oldest materials found on Earth, with some dating back over 4.4 billion years. This makes them invaluable not only as gemstones but also as critical tools for geologists studying the Earth’s crust.
Natural zircon comes in a variety of colors, including colorless, yellow-golden, red, brown, blue, and green. The color variations are due to impurities that are incorporated into the zircon’s structure during its formation. Among these, the blue zircon, resulting from heat treatment of brown zircon, is the most popular.
Despite its beauty and historical significance, natural zircon has often been overshadowed by its synthetic counterpart, cubic zirconia, which is widely used as a diamond substitute. It’s crucial to note that despite the similarity in their names, natural zircon and cubic zirconia are entirely different. Cubic zirconia is a lab-created material, while natural zircon is a gemstone with a long geological history.
Natural zircon is also a December birthstone and is believed to have several metaphysical properties. It is said to bring prosperity and wisdom to the wearer, promote self-confidence, and aid in spiritual growth.
In terms of care and maintenance, natural zircon is relatively hard, ranking 7.5 on the Mohs scale of hardness. However, it can be brittle and prone to wear and tear, so it should be handled with care to prevent chipping or cracking.
In conclusion, natural zircon is a gemstone that deserves more recognition for its unique properties and historical significance. Its brilliance, variety of colors, and ancient origins make it a fascinating subject for gem enthusiasts and geologists alike.
