Zircon is a magnificent stone that brings dreams to reality. The glistening of the Zircon is so intense, that it’s often mistaken for being a diamond. The spectacle of the Zircon has been adored for hundreds of years.
When you see the Zircon’s stunning array of high-energy colors, it will come as no surprise to learn about the vast metaphysical qualities it possesses. Grounding individuals, helping them push boundaries and enabling the solving of seemingly unsolvable problems.
| Zircon Color | Yellow, reddish-brown, gray, colorless |
| Birthstone Month | December |
| Hardness Scale | 7.5 on Mohs Scale |
| Mineral Class | Silicate |
| Symbolism | Removal of negative energy |
What is Zircon
Zircon is a semi-precious gemstone that is found in heavy mineral sand deposits and less commonly in alkaline volcanic rocks. It’s a stunning stone that naturally comes in a wide array of earth tones.
The uses of Zircon depend on the type mined. The main industrial use of Zircon is as an opacifier (added to make a product more opaque). Other consumers include the ceramics industry. Most of the low-quality Zircon is small and can be easily ground up and used industrially. The large high carat jewelry pieces are rarer to find.
The dazzling nature of Zircon aids in its range of metaphysical powers. For healers, it’s said to relieve pain and help recovery by facilitating ‘breakthroughs’ in thoughts. For wearers, it increases confidence and persistence.
The typical price of Zircon is between $30-$45 per carat.
What does Zircon look like
Zircon looks stunning faceted to rings or necklaces. The cut brings out the natural shimmer, with a diamond-styled cut being common. When worn on a pendant, you’ll often see Zircons appear in a cluster, with multiple colors.
Zircon is limited in size due to its chemical composition. The size limits are color-dependent, with blue and green commonly found between 1-5 carats, yellow gemstones capped at around 5, and the smallest gemstones being reds and purples.
All-natural Zircon appear in earth tones, including yellow, green, blue, gray, and red-brown hues. ‘Fire’ can be present in the gemstone, making it exceptionally beautiful. Fire is used to describe color flashes when looking into a stone, a rare and mesmerizing phenomenon.
Color enhancements are used for most Zircon to increase the intensity of the color. Heat treatments can transform a Zircon from a dull earth tone into a glowing color. Almost all commercial Zircon gems have been heat treated.
Zircon is almost unique in that its color can return to its natural state. After heat treatment has transformed the gemstone into a vibrant color, it can still return to being a dull earth tone again.
History of Zircon
Zircon is the oldest gemstone on Earth, making it billions of years old. In the 1400s Zircon was used for its spiritual qualities, adorned to increase sleep and protect wearers from evil.
Zircon has reinvented itself many times. During the 19th century, Zircon was faceted on jewelry by British aristocrats. The gems were loved for their smoky look on pendants. In the early 20th century, jewelers would use Zircon as a diamond alternative.
Once heat treatment technology became mainstream, it gave Zircon a whole new look and aesthetic appeal. Zircon’s colors have become piercing and sharp, transforming it from a mystic stone to a high-end gemstone.
Zircon has never lost its metaphysical properties and powers. Holistic healers still use it to protect, ward off negativity and alleviate pain, the same as 700 years ago.
The meaning of Zircon
Zircon gemstones have deep physical and mental healing abilities. The name Zircon is derived from the Persian word ‘Zargun’ which means ‘gold-colored.’ Gold-hued is a common color that Zircon can be found in. The English word may have been taken from the German word Zrikon which was an adaptation of Persian.
An important quality of the stone is removing and cleansing a person or area of negative energy. Replacing it with a protective forcefield which stops bad energy from entering.
Boosting a passion for work and life, the Zircon aids in helping you become reinvigorated and energized. It’s said to put you in a meditative state, allowing you to become focused by removing distractions.
Where does Zircon come from
Zircon is naturally produced when zirconium, silicone, and oxygen combine and crystallize in magma. Once formed they may take millions of years to be found, the rocks containing this gem must first be eroded, breaking down the surrounding until the Zircon is exposed. Zircon can be found in the Earth’s crust. It is formed in metamorphic rock and detrital deposits (heavy sand).
The Zircon can be found predominantly in South East Asia, with smaller deposits located in Norway, Nigeria, Australia, and New Zealand. In the USA Zircon mines can be found in Virginia, Georgia, Florida, and North Carolina.
For which zodiac sign is Zircon?
The birthstone for December, Zircon is the gemstone of the Sagittarius. Optimistic, nurturing, and energetic, the Sagittarius’ qualities are perfectly encompassed by the Zircon gemstone.
Sagittarius are always seeking wisdom and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. When worn by Sagittarius, Zircon is said to help heal, nurture, and remain optimistic. Complementing the natural uncertainty of always remaining curious and seeking more.
Which family is Zircon from
Zircon is considered part of the Zirconium Silicate mineral family. It can be found as a byproduct when processing heavy mineral sand.
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Frequently asked questions about Zircon
Yes, Zircon is a real gemstone. It’s considered a semi-precious stone, even though it does not command a high price.
Yes, Zircon is rarer than diamonds. Despite being rarer it is considerably cheaper than diamonds. Zircon has often been used to imitate a diamond which greatly reduced its reputation and sales prices.
There are many reasons that make Zircon a special gemstone. It’s the oldest known gemstone on Earth formed right at the beginning of the planet’s formation. Zircon also contains many deep spiritual meanings and has important metaphysical significance. Interestingly, after heat treatment, it can still return to its original color. Containing ‘Fire’ some Zircon gemstones will appear to change color when viewed from different angles.
Zircon has a broad range of prices. It can be bought for as little as $30 per carat, with the rarest pieces fetching over $3,000 per carat. Like all gemstones, Zircon’s value is dependent on the cut, clarity, color, and carat (size) of the stone.
