Zircon

Zircon is from the arabic "zar" meaning "gold", plus "gun" meaning "coloured", referring to one of the many colours that the mineral may displays. Zircon occurs in a range of colour including yellow, brown, orange, red, purple, blue, green and colourless.

During the Middle Ages, zircon was often prescribed as a protective amulet. It was attributed with the power to ward of plague, wounds and injuries. If the wearer came in close proximity with the plague,
the stone supposedly would turn dull.

Zircon is a natural gemstone and should not be confused with the man-made cubic zirconia. Zircon stands out naturally due to its highly reflective nature. The reflective adamantine luster has great brilliance and intensive fire, thus it has often been compared to diamonds.

Inclusions

Blue zircon are normally found to be clean, whereas the other colour zircon may have few inclusions.

Treatments

Zircon may be heat treated to change its colour to red, blue, orange and green, but it may be unstable after the treatment and will revert back or fade in colour.

Caring

To clean, use warm soapy water