Zircon

Properties and Characteristics of Zircon

• Zircon is common in the Earth's crust and can be found in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks.
• It has a Mohs hardness of 7.5 and is resistant to weathering and heat.
• Zircon is a heavy mineral, with a specific gravity of 4.6-4.7.
• Due to its uranium and thorium content, some zircons undergo metamictization, which affects their properties.
• Zircon occurs in various colors, including colorless, yellow, red, brown, blue, and green.

Applications of Zircon

• Zircon is used as an opacifier in the ceramics industry.
• It is a precursor to metallic zirconium and its compounds, including zirconium dioxide.
• Other applications include refractories, foundry casting, and specialty applications like nuclear fuel rods and catalytic converters.
• Zircon is widely used by geologists for geochronology.
• It is part of the ZTR index used to classify highly-weathered sediments.

Zircon as a Gemstone

• Transparent zircon is a semi-precious gemstone with high specific gravity and adamantine luster.
• It can be used as a substitute for diamond due to its high refractive index.
• Zircon has a Mohs hardness of 7.5, making it durable but softer than cubic zirconia.
• Some zircons may lose color after prolonged exposure to sunlight.
• Birefringence is a characteristic of most gem-grade zircons, helping to distinguish them from diamonds and cubic zirconias.

Occurrence and Production of Zircon

• Zircon is a common accessory mineral in igneous rocks, especially granite and felsic igneous rocks.
• It can also be found in sedimentary deposits and is a common component of sands.
• Zircon can occur as a trace mineral in ultrapotassic igneous rocks like kimberlites and carbonatites.
• It forms economic concentrations in heavy mineral deposits.
• Global production of zirconium mineral concentrates has shown a consistent trend.

History and Etymology of Zircon

• The name 'zircon' derives from the Persian word 'zargun,' meaning gold-hued.
• The English word 'zircon' comes from the German adaptation of 'Zirkon.'
• Yellow, orange, and red zircons are also known as hyacinth, named after the flower.
• Zircon has been used as a gemstone and decorative material for centuries.
• Synthetic zircons have been created in laboratories and can be used in jewelry.

Zircon Data Sources