ZIRCON

Overview:      Zircon is a very brilliant stone because of high refractive index. It is also very hard and well suited for a wide range of jewelry uses. Zircon’s high refractive index and strong dispersion causes it to have great brilliance. An important identification mark for all zircons, except the green, is a strong double refraction easily seen under the loupe at the facet edges. Zircon is quite brittle and sensitive to knocks and pressure. Blue and green are the most desirable zircons.

Usage:       In the middle ages, Zircon was said to aid sleep, bring prosperity, and promote honor and wisdom for its owner.   It can be used  as an amulet for travelers . It would bring the wearer financial success, and protect him or her from being struck by lightning. Many believed in zircon’s power to prevent the plague.

Legend:           The gem was used in Greece and Italy as far back as 6th Century A.D. Zircons were being marketed as diamonds in the 14th century, after faceting began. Early mines were in France and Sri Lanka . The name appears to come from the Persian word “zargun,” which means gold-colored, though brownish-gold is only one version of the zircon. In the symbolic Kalpa Tree of the Hindu religion, green zircon represents the tree’s foliage.

Ocurrence:           Today, the most common sources are Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Myanmar and Australia.