Zircon

Its name comes from the ancient Persian zargum (colours of gold), where it was a talisman, believed to have positive effects on the mind and feelings of those who wore it.

Due to its indistinct cleavage, its conchoidal fracture and its high porosity, it is especially fragile and sensitive to hits and pressure. It is also sensitive to high temperatures and easily changes colour when heated up, e.g., a brown-reddish Zircon can turn yellow-gold. Some Zircons turn much lighter under a bright light, only to recover their original colour shade under a softer light. The most common Zircons are brown-grey and brown-red. Colourless are more rare.

We can find good Zircons in Cambodia, Burma, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Australia, Brazil, Madagascar and Tanzania.

Colourless stones can be brilliant cut. Coloured stones are as well emerald or oval cut.

Depending on its colour, it can be confused with diamond (although its magnificent quality and Mohs’ hardness do not leave any doubts when examined by an expert), aquamarine, sapphire and tourmaline.