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zircon inclusions
Angular zoning and streaks are sometimes seen in the low type. Some silk is seen occasionally, as well as tension cracks and epigenetic cracks stained with iron oxides. Metamic crystals may have bright fissures known as angles.
zircon gemstone care
Zircon gemstones should be stored separately from other gemstones for two main reasons: 1) Heat treatment to improve the color of the gemstone affects the properties of zircon, making it more fragile at the junctions of the faceted 2) As zircon has a conchoidal fracture, it is a brittle material therefore they suffer from abrasion and facets can be chipped.
Zircon luminescence
The fluorescence of zircon is variable. Some material is inert, other materials glow intensely. Mustard yellow is a typical fluorescent color, also yellow-orange. Some zircons glow dull yellow in LW and may phosphoresce. Zircon may be whitish, yellow, greenish, or violet-blue in X-rays.
myths and magical properties of Zircon
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The zircon is a very beautiful stone that contains many powers. It is a tough stone, and is not easily broken, which is partly why there are many myths surrounding it powers.
Throughout history, this powerful gemstone has been held as a powerful talisman against poisons and evil powers. In some parts of Asia, it was believed that the wearer would be safe from various poisons including snake bites. Wearing a zircon meant that one could attract wealth and prestige. Also, the wearer of a zircon would be able to grow in knowledge and wisdom. They would be held in high regard and welcomed at all places. No wonder this gemstone was highly sought after and extremely valuable. The zircon was also believed to hold medicinal properties. Some believed that it could |
protect against diseases such as jaundice or dropsy. For those suffering from insomnia or sleep-related disorders, the zircon would assist them to rest peacefully. In Europe, it was widely believed that this gemstone could indicate if there was disease nearby by changing colour if within a certain distance of a person suffering from fever or plague. One can imagine how useful this would have been, especially at a time when Europe was ravaged by plague.
Up until the early 19th century, these views were still held. It was still believed to possess these medicinal and talismanic properties. Even today, many people believe that the zircon is a powerful stone that provides many benefits.
Up until the early 19th century, these views were still held. It was still believed to possess these medicinal and talismanic properties. Even today, many people believe that the zircon is a powerful stone that provides many benefits.
Zircon industrial use
Zircon mineral is very resistant to heat. Therefore, the specimens that cannot be used in jewellery (not good-looking) are used as refractory (heat resistant) material to be used in lining furnaces and kilns.
Possibilities of Confusion
Due to having the same color, zircon gemstone can be confused with, aquamarine, chrysoberyl, hessonite, sapphire, topaz, diamond, and demantoid.
Zircon Gemstone Basic Properties Table
Chemical Formula | Zirconium silicate (ZrSiO4) |
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Color | Colorless, yellow, brown, orange, red, violet, blue, green |
Hardness | 6.5 - 7.5 on the Mohs scale |
Crystal System | (Tetragonal), short, stocky, four-sided prisms with pyramidal ends |
Refractive Index | 1.810 - 2.024 |
Transparency | Translucent |
Cleavage | Indistinct |
Fracture | Conchoidal, very brittle |
References:
1- Color Encyclopedia of Gemstones, Joel E. Arem, VNR publications, New York.
1- Color Encyclopedia of Gemstones, Joel E. Arem, VNR publications, New York.