This often-overlooked gemstone is a treasure trove of fascinating facts, a savvy shopper's delight, and a vibrant splash of color for any jewelry box.
Hi everyone,
I’m Sasha Kareva and on this channel I talk about GEMSTONES. Welcome!
Zircon ain't your average gem. It wasn't born in some fancy gemstone spa, it crashed onto the scene over 4.4 BILLION years ago, when Earth was just a fiery ball of magma. Talk about a birth party! These little crystals formed inside cooling rocks, capturing the planet's early secrets like tiny time capsules. Unlike most gems that crumble under pressure, zircon's a tough cookie. It's harder than steel and chemically chill, meaning it can withstand volcanic eruptions, mountain-building madness, and even the slow grind of time. That's why you can find zircon chilling in ancient rock formations, sparkling in sand dunes, and even hiding in meteorites!
During the Middle Ages, people believed that zircon gemstones could induce sound sleep, ward off evil, and bring prosperity and wisdom. Blue zircon was popular during Victorian times and frequently adorned English estate jewelry from the 1880s. Zircon with a cloudy or smoky appearance was popular in mourning jewelry.
In the 1920s, heat treatment became customary practice to enhance the color of zircon gemstones for jewelry. Zircon has also been used in the decorative ceramics industry. While zircon is a popular gemstone among collectors for its range of colors, consumers seem most enamored with the blue variety and otherwise confused about the history and possibility of this expansive gemstone.
Zircon is often confused with cubic zirconia (CZ). CZ is one of the best-known, man-made diamond simulants. It is the crystalline form of zirconium dioxide (ZrO2). Zircon is a naturally-occurring mineral, which is zirconium silicate (ZrSiO4).
There are zircons of different colors, so, you have option to Choose a zircon that speaks to your soul! From fiery orange to cool blue, the possibilities are endless. Consider your personal style and the occasion when selecting the perfect hue.
- Blue: The undisputed king of zircon colors, this vibrant hue is often enhanced by heat treatment, creating a stable and mesmerizing sapphire-like fire. Look for stones with a deep, even color and strong green flashes for maximum brilliance. This kind of zircon has a trade name starlite.
- Green: natural green zircons come in earthy tones and vivid emerald shades. Be wary of treatments, as some can create an unnatural, overly yellow green. The most valuable stones exhibit a bright, grassy green with minimal inclusions.
- Yellow & Orange: These warm tones offer a cheerful alternative to the blues and greens. Natural yellow zircons are rare, but heat treatment can produce a range of shades, from pale honey to fiery orange. Opt for stones with good clarity and even color distribution. This kind of zircon you can meet in the market with the name Hyacinth or Jacinth
- Red & Purple: These regal hues are the rarest and most coveted zircons. Natural red zircons are often brownish, while purple tends to be pale and lavender-like. Heat treatment can deepen these colors, but beware of treatments that create artificial, unnatural shades.
Also, you can pass by trade names
- Matura Diamond – Colorless zircon is renowned as Matura diamond
And
- Jargon – The colorless, pale gray, or pale-yellow variations of zircon is known as Jargon.
- Color Saturation: When choosing a zircon, consider the intensity of its color. A well-saturated stone will have a richer, more vibrant appearance and command a higher price.
- Tone: The lightness or darkness of the color plays a crucial role. A medium-toned zircon is generally more desirable than a very light or very dark one, offering a balance of brilliance and depth.
Let’s talk about Clarity
Not all inclusions are created equal. Zircon, like any gemstone, can harbor tiny imperfections. Some are mere beauty marks, whispers of nature's artistry, while others can impact brilliance and value.
Zircons are relatively free of inclusions, but many untreated zircons have a cloudy or smoky appearance. If it’s extreme, it can be a negative factor with buyers. In Victorian times, this smokiness made zircon a popular gem for mourning jewelry.
The Clarity Spectrum is wide eye clean, minor inclusions, feathery inclusions and fractures.
- Eye-clean: The holy grail! No visible inclusions to the naked eye, even at close inspection. These zircons possess a flawless fire and command premium prices.
- Minor inclusions: Small, barely noticeable inclusions that require close scrutiny. They may slightly dampen the fire but offer excellent value for those seeking beauty without breaking the bank.
- Feathery inclusions: These wispy lines or cloud-like formations can affect brilliance and transparency. Their severity determines the price drop, with heavily included stones being considered for ornamental purposes rather than fine jewelry.
- Fractures: Cracks or breaks, even microscopic, can compromise a zircon's integrity and durability. Avoid these like the plague, unless you're looking for a budget craft project.
Today, most zircon that is faceted for use in jewelry is free of inclusions that are visible to the eye. Eye-visible inclusions cause a drop in zircon value.
Rarely, zircon might contain long parallel inclusions that create the cat’s-eye effect when the stone is cut as a cabochon.
It’s a challenge to cut zircon because the gem is brittle. Cutters usually fashion zircon in the brilliant style to take advantage of its luster and fire. A modification of the brilliant cut, known as the “zircon cut,” uses eight extra facets around the gem’s lower portion, called the pavilion. This isn’t seen very often today because of the extra labor costs involved. Zircon can also be found in step cuts, which have rows of parallel facets, and mixed cuts, which are a combination of brilliant and step-cut facets.
Now, onto the cut! Just like a well-crafted outfit, the cut is what makes a zircon truly shine. Forget the boring brilliants! Zircon's fiery brilliance thrives in unique cuts. Here's the lowdown on the most popular cuts and what to look for:
1. The Round Brilliant: This classic diamond cut works wonders on zircons, maximizing their brilliance and fire. Look for symmetry, even facets, and a good depth-to-width ratio (ideally between 60-65%). A shallow cut will make the stone look "spread out" and lose its fire, while a deep cut can make it appear dark.
2.The Oval Step Cut: This elegant cut brings out the depth and color of zircon, especially in fancy shades. Opt for a medium depth with a balanced crown and pavilion to ensure both brilliance and color saturation. Beware of overly shallow cuts that can make the stone appear dull, or overly deep cuts that can mask its fire.
3.Fancy Cuts: Don't be afraid to explore! Zircon shines in pear, emerald, and marquise cuts too. Just remember the same principles: good symmetry, balanced proportions, and a depth that showcases the stone's beauty.
Carats measure a gemstone's weight, not size. One carat equals 0.2 grams, or about the weight of a paperclip. But when it comes to zircon, size and value do play a fascinating tango. The supply of zircon is generally limited, and typical sizes depend on colour. Blue or green stones normally range from 1 carat to 10 carats and yellows and oranges up to around 5 carats. Reds and purples are usually smaller.
Carat weight influences price, but it's not the only factor. A 1-carat blue zircon might cost more than a 2-carat yellow zircon due to color preference. So, focus on finding the perfect balance of size, color, clarity, and cut within your budget. Remember, a smaller, high-quality zircon can outshine a larger, less-vibrant one.
Don't forget, zircon's beauty extends beyond the carat. Heat treatment can enhance color, while origin (Myanmar zircons are highly prized) can also impact value. And let's not forget ethical sourcing: choosing a reputable jeweler who prioritizes responsible mining practices is always a gem move.
- Petit powerhouses: Smaller zircons (under 0.5 carats) are surprisingly brilliant, offering incredible fire and dispersion (rainbow flashes) at budget-friendly prices, around 100-200$ a carat. Think charming accents, delicate earrings, or playful pendants.
- The sweet spot (0.5 to 1 carat): This range finds the perfect balance between size and value. Zircons in this range boast noticeable brilliance, making them ideal for statement pieces like rings or solitaire necklaces. Also costs something in between 100-300$ a carat
- But the real treasure there are zircons more than 3 carats: Prepare to be bedazzled! Larger zircons are true showstoppers, boasting intense fire and breathtaking color. But be prepared for price tag. There are in the market blue zircons above 7-10 and even 20 carats, the price can be 500-1000$ a carat and sometimes more, but the stone remains quite affordable compare with other competitors.
Zircons can be treated and untreated. Hear treatments are used to enhance or modify the color of these gemstones. Blue zircons are always treated and it never affect the price. Zircon is sturdy enough for normal wear and makes for wonderful jewelry. As a ring, it's recommended to place it within a protective setting to prolong the stone's life. Zircon is best used in pendants or earrings, as these are the least exposed to rough handling.
Attention, gem enthusiasts! Are you tired of moissanite's icy glare and lab-grown diamonds' ethical murkiness? Do you crave a gemstone that's bursting with brilliance, steeped in history, and surprisingly affordable? Then look no further than zircon, the dazzling underdog of the gemstone world!
So ditch the diamonds and embrace the zircon revolution! Visit TrueGems today and let us show you the dazzling world of this under-appreciated gem. We guarantee you'll leave with a zircon that speaks to your soul and sparkles brighter than any diamond you've ever seen.
Remember, zircon isn't just a gemstone, it's an attitude. An attitude that says, "I'm unique, I'm bold, and I sparkle on my own terms."