A zircon gemstone is a beautiful stone known for its exceptional brilliance, often surpassing that of diamonds. Occurring naturally, zircon covers a broad spectrum of colors, including colorless, blue, green, yellow, red and orange. Composed of zirconium and silicon, zircon is relatively durable, making it a solid choice for your “ok-to-wear-everyday" jewelry gems. For those seeking the glitz and glamor of sparkling gemstones on a budget, zircon gemstones are an increasingly popular choice.
The history of zircon
A long time coming: Zircon is not a new fad by any stretch of the imagination. In fact, natural zircon is one of the most ancient materials on Earth, dating back more than 4.4 billion years (that’s 4.11 billion years before the dinosaurs roamed the Earth!). Zircon forms in the Earth’s crust and can be discovered in sand deposits, metamorphic rocks and crystallized magma. With its structure and color shifting from billions of years of geological events, zircon acts as somewhat of a time capsule, providing information about the formation and evolution of Earth over time.
Mystical powers: Known as a “stone of virtue,” people have believed in zircon’s healing and grounding properties for many years. Thought to assist in relieving pain, removing toxins and reducing fever, believers wore zircon jewelry in hopes of achieving balance—physically, emotionally and spiritually.
The evolution of an ancient gemstone: Aside from mystical healing powers, many are attracted to zircon for its many colorful varieties. Without professional treatment, some zircon gemstones may appear cloudy, making them less appealing to potential jewelry customers. However, this smokey quality made zircon gemstones quite popular during the Victorian era (1837-1901) when it was worn as mourning jewelry. Technological advancements in the 1970s have enhanced this gem’s clarity and color, increasing its popularity.
Characteristics of zircon quality
Like most gemstones, the quality of zircon gems is rated using the 4Cs (color, clarity, cut and carat) grading system. Let’s look at how zircon gemstones may be evaluated in each of these categories:
Zircon color
Color refers to the gemstone's hue, saturation and tone. As mentioned, zircon comes in almost every color of the rainbow, due to trace elements and impurities present during its formation. However, blue zircon, whose color is achieved through heat treatment, is often considered the most popular with consumers (80% of zircons sold are blue) and the most expensive due to its high demand.
Colorless zircon is the most common variety found in nature, with blue, green, yellow, red, and orange zircon occurring less frequently. The blue color in zircon is often caused by trace amounts of hafnium (a silver-grey metal). In contrast, green zircons may contain trace amounts of iron or uranium. Lastly, yellow and orange zircons typically contain traces of lead impurities.
Zircon gemstones were historically yellow or brown until the 1920s when an influx of blue zircon gemstones suspiciously hit the market. When it was discovered that these blue-hued dazzlers had been heat-treated to produce a more appealing color, few cared, and jewelry shoppers quickly embraced the new variety.
Zircon clarity
As with diamonds, the clarity of a zircon gemstone refers to how well you can see through a gem (transparency). Broken into two gemstone clarity types, the fewer inclusions that are noticeable while looking into the gem, the more desirable and valuable it will likely be.
- Type I gemstones: While each gemstone needs to be examined and rated on its own, most blue and colorless zircons have Type I clarity, meaning their inclusions are primarily composed of nitrogen. These inclusions are generally small and have little influence on the stone’s overall appearance. However, such inclusions can create faint yellow or brown tints, often not noticeable to the naked eye.
- Type II gemstones: Orange, yellow, red and green varieties of zircon are usually Type II clarity, meaning they contain inclusions (primarily non-nitrogen inclusions) that can vary in size and color and can impact the stone’s appearance. Some Type II inclusions are visible to the naked eye, while others must be detected using magnification tools.
Zircon cut
Due to zircon's lack of hardness, many popular gemstone cuts are avoided to prevent unnecessary breaking. While round, oval, pear and marquise-cut zircon gemstones can be found, most are found in a brilliant cut which enhances the stone's luster and fire (and provides the least risk for shattering while bench jewelers make their cuts).
Carat weight
Zircon carat weight measures its size and is one factor used to determine its value. Zircon gemstones can range from a few tenths of a carat to several carats and typically vary by color. Gemstones weighing between one and 10 carats are more easily found in shades of blue or green, while yellow and orange zircon tend to be closer to five carats. If you’re seeking a zircon of the red or purple variety, expect to find even smaller carat stones.
How to identify zircon
Because zircon can so closely imitate the brilliance of a diamond and is so often confused with cubic zirconia, you may wonder, "How am I ever supposed to know the difference?” While it’s best to trust the experts for an accurate identification, a few indicators may help you navigate these different stones.
- Look at the luster: For starters, zircon’s high sparkle and luster make it reflective in light, like a diamond, while cubic zirconia tends to have less brilliance. Zircon offers a more transparent and authentic appearance than cubic zirconia, a human-made material with a higher opacity. In short, zircon gems are more natural-looking stones than cubic zirconia.
- Low refractive index: If you want to get really technical, a tool called a refractometer can be used to measure a gemstone's refractive index (the measure of how light bends as it passes through a gemstone). The refractive index is typically lower for zircon, ranging between 1.92 and 1.96. Cubic zirconia has a higher refractive index between 2.15 and 2.18, and diamonds have the highest index of approximately 2.42.
It is important to note that these tests may not be conclusive. Consulting with a jeweler or gemologist will help you get a definite answer and identify your gemstone.
How to care for zircon
All jewelry should be handled with care, cleaned regularly and properly stored. To provide the best care for your zircon gemstones, avoid wearing them in environments that may result in knicks or scrapes against the stone. While zircon is relatively durable (between 6 and 7.5 on the Mohs scale), it can still be scratched or chipped, leading some shoppers to opt for ring settings that give the gemstone a bit more protection.
To keep your zircon gemstone shining brilliantly, it should be cleaned regularly to remove buildup from frequent wear. Mix a mild cleanser with warm water and immerse your zircon jewelry in the solution for a few minutes. Gently scrub away any dirt or grime with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Rinse the jewelry thoroughly under warm water to remove any residue, and pat dry with a soft, lint-free cloth. Avoid aggressive rubbing, abrasive materials or harsh chemicals such as chlorine, ammonia or ultrasonic cleaners that can damage the zircon stone. When storing zircon jewelry, place it in a soft pouch or jewelry tray to prevent it from contacting other harder gemstones that may scratch it.
Insuring your zircon gemstone jewelry
Last but certainly not least, protect your zircon jewelry with a standalone jewelry insurance policy, like one offered through Jewelers Mutual. It’s an affordable option that covers the cost of repairing or replacing your piece if it ever gets lost, stolen or damaged. Check your rate by clicking the button below.
