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About Zircon
Zircon is a beautiful natural gemstone which has been used as a diamond simulant for many years. Unfortunately, many people associate it with cubic zirconia which is a man made product. Natural zircons come in a variety of colors including, colorless, greens, browns, and most commonly a vibrant blue. The blue zircons are actually brownish or redish zircons which have been heat treated. The heating of zircons is expected and accepted within the gem trade.
Physical Properties of Zircon |
| Color |
Various |
Refractive Index |
High type: 1.925 - 1.984 (+/- 0.40)
Medium type: 1.875 - 1.905 (+/- 0.30)
Low type: 1.81-1.815 (+/-0.30) |
Pleochroism |
Various, depends on color |
Chemistry |
ZrSiO 4 |
Hardness |
6.0 to 7.5 low type to high type |
Specific gravity |
3.9 to 4.73 low type to high type |
Crystal Group |
Tetragonal |
| Primary sources |
Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Myanmar |
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