Is zircon stone zirconium? Is it a gem or not?

Zircon is a stone that can have many shades. The blue mineral is considered especially valuable, its color reminiscent of the very expensive Paraiba tourmalines. Another type of mineral that has an orange or red tint is also in great demand - hyacinth. Jewelry zircons are distinguished by unique optical characteristics and have a pronounced birefringence effect and excellent dispersion. These stones are also green, purple, and colorless.

Zircon is a stone that has a spectacular appearance.

History and origin

Zircon is considered one of the most ancient minerals. This is confirmed by a unique find of scientists. They managed to find Australian zircon. Its age reaches 4.4 billion years. Despite its excellent physical characteristics and attractive appearance, the stone was not widely used.

In ancient times, it was often mistaken for other gems of similar shades - topazes, tourmalines, rubies. Transparent zircon was passed off as diamonds.

It was only after the fifteenth century that the stone was appreciated in Europe. At the same time, it received different names based on color. Thus, the yellow varieties were called slangs, the blue varieties were called starlites, and the reddish-brown varieties were called hyacinths. But they did not please the rich nobles. Therefore, the stones were not widely used.

The fate of the mineral worsened during Soviet times. During that period, a synthetic analogue of a diamond was developed - cubic zirconia. In English it is called Zirconia. That is why the term “zirconium” arose in the Russian language. At the same time, natural zircon lost its position. It began to be confused with its artificial analogue.

Places of birth

Today, the main supplier of zirconium to the world market is Sri Lanka. At the same time, it also acts as the main compromiser of the mineral, because local jewelers often pass off zircons as diamonds, placing them in a brilliant cut.

In addition to Sri Lanka, other large deposits are located in the United States of America, as well as Canada, Brazil, Norway and Madagascar.

As for the Russian Federation, there are few zircon deposits on its territory. For the most part, the mineral is mined as an accompanying mineral when diamond mines are developed in Yakutia. There are other deposits of semi-precious minerals in the Urals.

Zircon mining is carried out either in placers of granite and other varieties of igneous rock, or in kimberlite pipes. In more rare cases, the career method is used.

Zircon belongs to the category of rare stones. Most of the discovered minerals are very tiny in size, their weight does not even reach 1 carat. It is rare to come across a large specimen of the stone.

Physicochemical characteristics

Zircon stone has the following properties:

formula – zirconium silicate;
hardness in accordance with the Mohs scale – 6-8;
increased fragility;
different shades - red, pink, yellow, green, gray;
density parameters – 4.6-4.7 g/cm3;
diamond shine;
high degree of refraction.

Various substances are obtained from the mineral - uranium, zirconium, hafnium. On average, the size of a gem is several millimeters. However, large stones are extremely rare.

Important! Opaque and large crystals are characterized by excessive background radiation. They should not be worn or stored at home.

Scope of application

The use of zircon in jewelry has become widespread. This mineral is often inserted into various jewelry. The stone in jewelry looks best in combination with yellow gold. It is also often combined with silver. In this case, platinum is not used.

Expensive jewelry often comes on sale, which is complemented with starlites, malacons or hyacinths.

Rings, pendants and earrings are most often made from zircon. Pendants and tiaras with this stone are somewhat less common. Necklaces with zircon are considered very rare.

Most often, gems are used as an alternative to diamonds. They have a more affordable price, but look very attractive.

Mystical abilities of the mineral

There is an opinion that zircons are capable of changing their magical properties based on their shade. This interesting stone, shaped like a double pyramid, is in demand among magicians and esotericists.

One of his abilities is to awaken supernatural abilities in people. Jewelry with zirconium develops the ability to predict future events.

The mineral also makes business people and entrepreneurs successful: it prompts them to make the right decisions in the process of concluding important contracts and conducting negotiations.

Miniature versions of the gem motivate you to acquire new knowledge, develop your mental abilities, and add concentration and perseverance.

And earrings, rings and pendants with zircon inserts help eliminate depression, provide peace of mind and give the energy necessary to cope with life's difficulties.

Colors and subtypes

This mineral has many varieties. These include the following:

Matar diamond is a transparent mineral that is very popular among jewelers. It is mined in Sri Lanka and is often passed off as a diamond.
Jargon - represents yellow zircon. It can have different shades - from straw to brighter golden. Sometimes this gem is passed off as another gem - chrysoberyl.
Hyacinth is a transparent red zircon. It can have different shades - pale pink or a more saturated crimson. Veins are often found in gems. They can be golden or brown.
Malacon is a brown variety of zircon. It contains uranium impurities. The radioactive properties do not make it possible to use the gem in the jewelry industry.
Starlite is a blue zircon. It is extremely rare. Sometimes you can find blue zircon, which also has this name.

There are also other color variations - green, purple, black zircon. At the same time, green zircon is considered the most dangerous because it has radioactive properties.

Thanks to the variety of shades, you can choose the best option. The healing and magical properties of the stone are almost identical.

Varieties of zircon

Zircon is a stone that has many types. Each of them has a unique color.

Green

Transparent green stones are considered safe. If the gem has a rich hue, this indicates an increased content of radioactive components.

Green stone with a transparent structure is considered relatively safe.

Blue

Blue and dark blue gems are obtained by firing. They were called starlites.

Black

This gem contains a small amount of radioactive components. Therefore, black zircons are rarely used to create jewelry.

And others

Other types of zircons include the following:

Hyacinth - has a red, orange or brown color.
Jargon also refers to zircons. It is characterized by a warm straw or yellow tint.
Matar diamond - its name is associated with the place of extraction. The birthplace of the stone is considered to be the island of Matara, which is located in the south of Sri Lanka. This gem looks like a colorless crystal.
Starlite is obtained by firing. The gem has a charming transparency. In some cases, zircon has a blue or blue color.
Malakon - includes some radiation. This gem has a rich brown hue.

Malakon has a rich brown color.

What's the difference between zircon and zirconium?

Many people often confuse the terms. They regard “zircon” and “zirconium” as the same stone. In fact, these concepts are used to refer to different gems.

First you need to understand the differences between zircon and zirconium. The first concept is used to designate a precious stone, and the second is the name of the metal. When choosing zirconium, many people are interested in what the substance looks like. It has a silvery-white tint.

The metal does not occur naturally. It is obtained from various chemical compounds. The production is based on mineral. That's why zirconium and zircon have similar names.

It is worth mentioning cubic zirconia separately. Essentially, this is an artificial diamond that was created at the Physical Institute of the Academy of Sciences. Subsequently, in the jewelry industry it was called cubic zirconium. This name is often found on jewelry. It is worth considering that artificial zirconium does not have magical properties.

When choosing a specific product, you need to know what kind of gem it is based on - natural or artificial. This affects the properties and appearance of jewelry. There are also differences in price. Zirconium jewelry is much cheaper.

Who suits the name

You should choose a mascot based on your name. The gem is perfect for the following men:

Vyacheslav - a stone helps to predict various events. With the help of gems it is possible to detect lies and flattery. They also warn of danger.
Nikolay - hyacinths are suitable for owners of this name. Red zircons help you find the right path, achieve success and gain opportunities for development. With the help of the mineral, it is possible to improve your financial situation and achieve prosperity.
Matvey - all types of crystals are suitable for people with this name. However, it is best to use varieties of warm colors - red, yellow or brown. Such talismans help you become luckier and avoid rash actions.

Women can also use the stone. The properties characteristic of the mineral are fully revealed in the owners of the following names:

Diana - self-flowering helps women with this name become richer. The stone helps solve problems.
Nina - in this case, the mineral helps to become more mentally stable and to endure troubles more easily. With the help of a gem you can cope with disappointments.
Galina – the mineral will help the owners of this name to become more sociable. Thanks to this gem, you will be able to recharge with optimism and joyfully greet every day.

Zircon and zodiac signs

Many people are interested in who this stone is suitable for according to their zodiac sign. When choosing jewelry with it, you should consider the following features:

Virgos are considered melancholic and prone to depression. For representatives of this zodiac sign, zircon helps improve mood and minimize negative attitudes towards life.
For Cancers, pink zircon is suitable, as it helps increase sexuality and become more decisive. With the help of the mineral you can liberate yourself.
Leos are considered to be hot-tempered and emotional. A yellow stone will suit them. Thanks to this gem, it will be possible to neutralize not very good character traits - pride, intolerance, excessive emotionality.
Pisces are considered sacrificial and always try to come to the rescue. Blue or white zircon is suitable for representatives of this zodiac constellation. It helps attract prosperity and longevity.
Aries suits stones of any shade. Using zircon helps you become more restrained and learn to concentrate when making difficult decisions.

Capricorns, Aquarius, Scorpios and Taurus have average compatibility with the mineral. The stone is neutral towards them.

Medicinal properties

The healing properties of the stone are due to the unusual shape of the crystals. Thanks to this, it accumulates vital energy. The gem is able to absorb or give it away.

The mineral helps improve the functioning of the nervous system. In case of ischemia, the stone allows you to reduce the frequency and severity of attacks. For this, it is recommended to use a pendant or necklace.

Therapeutic characteristics may vary depending on the shade:

Yellow crystals help improve the functions of the pancreas, liver, and gall bladder. With their help, it is possible to normalize bile synthesis and improve its composition. The mineral helps treat poisoning and cleanses, removes toxins and toxic substances.
Dark brown gems are good for treating respiratory problems. They help alleviate sinusitis, bronchitis, pneumonia and speed up recovery. The crystal should also be worn during flu epidemics for preventive purposes.
Hyacinths are considered the most powerful variety of zircon. With their help, it is possible to normalize the functions of the heart and blood vessels. Crystals also promote recovery from traumatic injuries. It is best to wear a ring with a crystal. Moreover, it should be put on the middle finger of the left hand.
Transparent crystals activate metabolic processes and accelerate the process of losing weight.

Magic properties

Zircon is a stone characterized by magical properties. With its help, it is possible to improve memory and attention. The mineral develops intuition and attracts well-being. Crystals help you learn to identify lies and hypocrisy.

In this case, the properties may differ slightly depending on the shade:

Red and yellow stones help bring good luck to explorers. Today they are often used by businessmen, scientists, and inventors.
Black stone helps to hide important information from strangers. Therefore, such decorations were often used by the creators of secret organizations.

Although the gem is more suitable for men, it can also be given to girls. Thanks to this crystal, you will be able to get rid of the tendency to panic. With its help, you can learn to perceive the situation soberly and make the right decisions.

Interesting facts about zircon

The main interesting facts about the mineral include the following:

There is a legend regarding the origin of one of the names of zircon - “hyacinth”. According to legend, the crystal appeared from drops of the blood of Hyacinth, who died during a competition with the wind god Zephyr.
As a symbol of chosenness, a ring decorated with zircon is worn on the left hand by the head of the Masonic lodge.
In some eastern countries, the crystal is considered a stone of power. That’s why public figures and politicians often wear jewelry with it. They can also often be seen on preachers.
In Tsarist Russia, red and orange gems were in demand among travelers, merchants and artists.

Indian yogis are confident that due to the double pyramid effect, the crystal is capable of accumulating very powerful energy. That is why they highly value this mineral.

Zircon is a unique stone that is treasured by many people. It has a beautiful appearance and is popular with jewelers. In addition, the crystal has pronounced healing and magical properties. It is important to choose the right shade and follow the rules for using the gem.

Ways to recognize a fake

Zircon is often used by scammers to imitate diamonds. An appraiser will help identify a fake. A diamond is characterized by single rather than double refraction of light.

Note! Cubic zirconia can be passed off as zircons. However, artificial stones are heavy.

To recognize a fake yourself, you should check the stone under a magnifying glass in bright light. On the edges of a natural crystal you will be able to see an optical illusion, namely, double the shine.

Zircon is a beautiful mineral that has healing properties and is often used as an amulet. To choose high-quality jewelry with this gem and look perfect, it is recommended to take its properties into account.

The original or a fake?

It has already been mentioned that zirconium looks like diamond. But it differs from it, first of all, in its special brilliance, but also in other parameters by which authenticity is established.

If you want to make sure that this is real zircon, carefully examine it under a magnifying glass:

natural stones have worn edges;
they contain voids and inclusions;
the cone of the natural mineral bifurcates.

Chemists can establish the originality of a mineral by checking its background radiation.