• Location: Cambodia
• Weight: 3.1 ct
• Dimensions: 12.3 x 6.7 x 5.4 mm
• Colour: colourless
• DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Zircon: a fascinating gemstone with billions of years of history Zircon is one of the oldest and most fascinating gemstones in the world. It is a natural mineral - zirconium silicate (ZrSiO₄) - primarily valued for its remarkable brilliance, high refractive index, and strong light dispersion. These optical properties allow it to produce exceptionally intense sparkle, and high-quality faceted stones are sometimes compared to diamonds, although zircon is an entirely different natural gemstone. One of the oldest minerals on Earth One of zircon's most remarkable characteristics is its age. Some discovered crystals are among the oldest known minerals on our planet, with ages exceeding 4 billion years. Zircon is thus not only an attractive gemstone but also an important mineral for geological research. Zircon colours and appearance Zircon naturally occurs in a wide range of colours. The best-known varieties include colourless, blue, honey-coloured, golden, brown, reddish-brown, orange, and green stones. The colour depends on the chemical composition, trace elements, and geological processes that have influenced the stone over millions of years. Hardness and use in jewellery On the Mohs hardness scale, zircon reaches approximately 6.5-7.5, making it a relatively durable stone suitable for use in jewellery. Compared to harder gemstones like sapphire or diamond, it is more brittle and therefore requires more careful handling, especially in finer cuts. Due to its brilliance and attractive appearance, it is highly valued by both collectors and jewellers. Zircon vs. Cubic Zirconia It is very important not to confuse natural zircon with synthetic cubic zirconia. Although the names sound similar, they are two completely different materials. Cubic zirconia is a laboratory-created diamond imitation, whereas zircon is an authentic natural gemstone with millions or billions of years of geological history. Main zircon localities Important zircon deposits are found in Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Australia, Thailand, and Tanzania. Cambodian zircons, in particular, are highly sought after for their quality, clarity, and attractive colours, which are suitable for faceting and use in jewellery. Why is zircon so popular? Due to its natural origin, exceptional lustre, and wide range of colours, zircon is highly prized by mineral collectors, gemstone enthusiasts, and jewellers alike. It represents an original and less common alternative to more well-known gemstones, captivating not only with its appearance but also with its fascinating geological history.