You’ve probably heard of zircon before, but you probably don’t know much about it. Zircon is the second most common mineral in the world, after feldspar, and it has been mined for use in jewelry since the 4th millennium BC (4 millennia). Zircon is especially popular in the jewelry industry because of its durability and strength in different colors.
Zircon is a rare form of titanium oxide that is commonly found in nature. It has unique properties that makes it one of the most desirable gemstones in the world. Its bright white color, highly vitreous luster, and unique properties make zircon very popular for jewelry.
Zircon has a lot of unique qualities as a species. Its high refractive index (RI) and dispersion, for example, appear to have made it the “natural option” for a diamond simulant. Colorless zircons may produce highly convincing diamond imitations and even outshine poor diamonds when cut appropriately. Interestingly, zircon is actually rarer than diamond, despite its lengthy history as a diamond replacement.
However, mimicry can only get you so far. These diamonds might seem dull and lifeless due to poor cutting. Although zircons have a reasonable hardness for jewelry stones (6 to 7.5), they are far less hard than diamonds, which have a famed hardness of 10. They have a fragile toughness that is lower than other gemstones. Their facet edges are prone to chipping and wear.
Zircons, on the other hand, are more than just diamond substitutes. They’re beautiful jewels in their own right, and they come in a variety of hues. Heat treatments also result in a plethora of other hues.
Colorless zircons have been marketed as “Matara,” “Matura,” and “Ceylon diamonds.” Although zircons are used to mimic diamonds, it is immoral to market them as genuine diamonds. Blue zircons have been marketed as “Siam aquamarines” under false pretences. Despite the fact that zircons are rarer than diamonds and aquamarines, these stones are more popular. As a result, some dishonest merchants may adopt these deceptive names to make zircons easier to sell.
Zircon has a wide range of fluorescence. Some substances are inactive. Other gems shine brightly. Under shortwave (SW) ultraviolet (UV) light, mustard yellow and yellow-orange are common fluorescent hues. In longwave (LW) UV light, certain zircons shine a dull yellow and may even phosphoresce. Under X-rays, zircon might appear white, yellow, greenish, or violet-blue.
Because zircon comes in a variety of colours, it is suitable for both men’s and women’s jewelry. Colored zircon may invigorate your wardrobe by adding that right splash of colour to your ensemble. Whether you generally wear mens bracelets or ruby pendants, zircon jewelry is a great addition to anyone’s collection.
A little zircon may go a long way because of its beautiful colours and flashes of colour. If you want to make a statement, big zircon jewelry is the way to go. A little delicate zircon, on the other hand, will be suitable for everyday casual and workplace. Zircon is a hard stone that is suitable for everyday usage and produces good jewelry due to its low cost. In order to extend the life of a zircon ring, it is advised to use a protective setting such as a bezel or flush. To keep it from becoming damaged, you must wear it with care. This is less necessary for pendants and earrings since they are not subjected to the same severe conditions as rings.
Because of its brittleness, zircon jewelry should be cleaned with commercial jewelry cleaners or a method that comprises soap, warm water, and a soft brush. Carefully clean and dry the zircon stone in your jewelry once it has been washed. Wrap this stone in cotton or a velvet cloth to keep it secure. This keeps dust and other possibly harmful particles out of your jewelry. You should also keep your zircon jewelry away from sunshine and other UV light sources, as they might fade or affect the colour of the stone. However, the best option would be to invest in a quality jewelry box to keep your zircon jewelry not only safe from wear but also organized.
In summary, zircon is a valuable gemstone much loved by many people. It is affordable, durable, and has a wide range of colors to fit anyone’s needs. It is extremely hard, making it much less susceptible to damage. It is truly brilliant, and it is also the birthstone for the month of December.
If you are looking for blue zircon jewelry, you can find some here.
Photo by Brooke Cagle on Unsplash