What color is natural zircon?
The zircon gemstone amazes with its variety of colors. Find out what colors natural zircon comes in from this article. In the photo: a collection of zircons of different colors Zircon is a mineral unique in its properties, worthy of attention and study, and, by the way, today underestimated from the point of view of jewelry use. Hard (7.5 on the Mohs scale). Rare. Excellent when cut. In addition, the mineral has a wide and varied range of colors. This article will be devoted to its coloring. So, what colors does zircon stone come in?
White (colorless)
Natural white zircon is very beautiful. It is often obtained by heat treatment; untreated crystals are also found. It is the colorless variety that is most loved by jewelry connoisseurs, since the dispersion characteristic of the mineral is most clearly manifested in it. In other colors it is less pronounced due to the rich color. In the photo: colorless natural zircon stone 35.38 carats, Tanzania It is thanks to this feature that colorless zircon is known as a natural imitation of a diamond, which is also characterized by an internal “fire” – a play of colors on the edges. Cutters also choose the shapes preferred for diamonds for this stone. Therefore, zircon can be found in round brilliant and step cuts.
Yellow
For a cut-quality zircon stone, a beautiful yellow color without additional shades is considered rare. This variety is referred to in the literature as “jargon”, which is close to the English “zircon”. In the photo: set of yellow zircons 24.21 carats, Tanzania Yellow zircon is a beautiful bright stone that is close in appearance to a fancy colored diamond. Golden stones are simply amazing when cut. One problem is that due to the fact that crystals of this color come to the market in extremely small quantities, it becomes difficult to select pairs and sets, but we are all the more proud of such sets.
Green
Green zircons are often of collector’s interest, as they are a mineralogical rarity. Their color is the result of a crystal lattice partially destroyed due to natural irradiation. They are safe to wear. Their color scheme consists of rich, sonorous shades of green: grass, emerald. In the photo: green zircon, Sri Lanka
Orange
The orange color of the zircon mineral consists of two components: red and yellow; these shades can simultaneously appear in it, sometimes with a golden or brown tint. This stone beautifully shades lightly tanned skin. Orange color is suitable for cheerful and optimistic people, and if you love bright jewelry, we recommend paying attention to this variety of zircon. She would look stunning in white gold. In the photo: orange zircon stone 15.13 carats, Sri Lanka
Brown
The brown color of zircons is of natural origin. These colors are used for refining – obtaining more commercially attractive colors. However, brown color can also be beautiful, for example, incredibly pleasant brownish zircons come from Tanzania, which simultaneously contain notes of pink, peach, gray, and beige. In unsaturated specimens, the play of color is remarkable, and with proper processing, faceted brown zircons can compete in beauty with cognac diamonds.a In the photo: a pair of natural cushion-cut zircons 7.55 carats, Tanzania Modest. Chic. If you are choosing a stone for men’s jewelry, noble brownish zircon is an excellent option for both a ring and cufflinks.
Blue and cyan
The blue and light blue variety is the most valuable in natural zircon. These are incredibly intense shades from light bluish to intense electric blue, sometimes with greenish and cyan undertones. When cut, these stones are incredibly beautiful, and, probably, there are no other stones with a similar color; they cannot be confused with anything else. The color is reminiscent of blue Paraiba tourmaline in its neon component, but zircons have pronounced dispersion – the decomposition of a color ray into spectrum components, so it is always accompanied by rainbow flashes on the edges. In the photo: blue Cambodian zircon 30.35 carats The blue color of zircons is the result of heat treatment of Cambodian brown crystals. Despite this, the stone is popular, especially in the USA and Europe. Large specimens with high purity are rare weighing more than 4-5 carats.
Red
The luxurious red color of zircons in Russia made such an impression that this variety was given the name hyacinth, in honor of the flower. In the photo: red zircon hyacinth 10.52 carats, Tanzania This zircon is never found in pure spectral red color; it contains additional shades: pink, orangeish, brownish, violet, burgundy, which are perceived as red. In this way, zircon resembles malaya garnet. Stone hyacinth is highly valued among collectors and fans of jewelry.
With color change
Actually, when describing the colors of zircons, it is necessary to mention the effect of color change. It is not found in most gem-quality crystals mined, but in exceptionally rare cases it is found in stunning specimens from Burma (Myanmar). As a rule, the color changes from gray-greenish when illuminated during the day to purple-violet when illuminated artificially. 
Pictured: 11.33 carat color changing zircon from Burma in different lighting We recommend reading on the website Paraiba tourmalines from Brazil and Mozambique 
Zircon: description, properties and photos 
Gems for a maiden 
A trip to a zircon deposit in Cambodia – part 2 Collection stone: choosing sphene A trip to a zircon deposit in Cambodia – part 1 Zircon is considered one of the oldest minerals on Earth. This fact was confirmed by scientists who collected Australian zircon and established its age at 4,4 billion years. Our planet is almost the same age. Sparkling crystals are very popular due to their colorless effect. The intense shine and strong sparkles give the stone a magnificent appearance. But zircon can be not only colorless, but also all shades of the rainbow. 
In the photo: zircon color palette.
History of the stone
In the photo: zircon in rock. In ancient times, people wore talismans with zircon and believed that it gave them strength and power. The ancient sages considered zircon their patron. The gem got its name from the Persian word “tsargun”, which means “golden”. However, zircon is found in different shades, which is due to impurities present during the formation of the stone. These can be green, red, gray, brown and even black crystals. In ancient times, zircon was often confused with other stones of similar color: topaz, rubies, tourmalines, and amber. Transparent gems were passed off as diamonds. Outwardly, it resembles a diamond, for which residents of Eastern countries call it zircon – the “little brother” of the diamond. In the 15th century, Europeans appreciated the brown-red crystals, which were called hyacinth. They began to make jewelry with this stone, which was popular with the nobility. A little later, other shades of zircon came into fashion.
Types and deposits of stone
- Hyacinth – the color palette ranges from orange to red-brown;
- Starlit – from blue to green. This type of nugget is very rare and is considered the most valuable type of mineral;
- Malacon – from olive green to brown. It is rarely used in jewelry due to the small admixture of uranium;
- Matura-diamond – colorless. It is also called Matar diamond or diamond-like. This gem is incredibly popular in the jewelry world. It is mined on the island of Sri Lanka. Colorless zircon is the purest form of the mineral and can be passed off as diamonds by unscrupulous jewelers.
- Ceylonese slang – pale straw yellow, yellow, honey. Sometimes this mineral can be passed off as chrysoberyl due to the similarity in shades.
In the photo: zircon color scheme.
Physical and chemical properties of stone
Zircon sparkles brightly when illuminated, but is inferior in the play of light to diamond. The stone is birefringent and can create the illusion that it has twice as many facets as it actually does.
The mineral itself is fragile and can easily be damaged when it comes into contact with other minerals.
The nuggets necessarily contain rare earth elements: copper, titanium, iron, zinc, calcium, aluminum, hafnium.
- Hardness on the Mohs scale – 6,0 – 7,5;
- Specific gravity – 3,9 – 4,7;
- Density – 4,6–4,7 g/cm3;
- Refractive index – 1,92 to 2,01;
- Variance – 0,039;
- Syngony – tetragonal;
- Cleavage is imperfect;
- The fracture is conchoidal, uneven;
- Color – transparent, yellow, gray, blue, shades of green, red, orange, brown;
- Transparency – transparent;
- Shine – diamond, strong;
- Refraction – high.
At the mineralogical level, zircon forms in felsic or metamorphic igneous rocks. If up to 10% of uranium, thorium and hafnium are present inside it, then the stone is considered radioactive. Such specimens are not used in jewelry.
Magical and healing properties of the stone
Zircon is a crystal that is also called “attraction” because it helps to correctly understand a person’s goals and achieve them. For a long time, people believed that jewelry with this gem helps in concluding trade deals. And now zircon is a talisman for businessmen and entrepreneurs. Practitioners of esotericism say that if you wear jewelry with zircon to conclude a profitable deal, it will help you make the right decision and recognize a lie.
Mystics believe that the stone allows a person to unravel secret signs sent from above and receive answers to any questions.
Esotericists say that small transparent crystals arouse interest in science and develop mental abilities.
In the photo: zircon in rock.
Zircon has a wide range of healing properties and becomes an effective stone for the owner. Lithotherapists are confident that each shade of the mineral has its own healing power:
- Blue stones improve bowel function;
- Dark shades of zircon help with colds;
- Yellow-red increase appetite and remove toxins;
- Transparent ones accelerate metabolism and increase muscle tone;
- The orange and red shades of the stone cleanse blood vessels and improve the functioning of the body.
According to traditional healers, all zircons have a beneficial effect on the nervous system.
Who is zircon suitable for?
In terms of its energy, this gem can be combined with any sign of the Zodiac. Astrologers claim that for some signs zircon has a certain meaning:
- Aries will help to reveal their creative potential;
- Aquarius will strengthen their sixth sense and help them quickly navigate unexpected situations;
- Dev will teach you how to cope with a bad mood and charge you with optimism;
- It will help Gemini to cope with internal contradictions;
- Leo will learn to manage their anger and make them calmer;
- Will give Libra self-confidence;
- With the help of zircon, Sagittarius will learn to concentrate on their needs and desires;
- Scorpios will smooth out conflict situations within the family;
- It will give Taurus harmony, good mood and a sense of security;
- Capricorns will be taught how to achieve what they want and will help them not to deviate from their chosen path.
Ring “Rebirth”
Zircon 4,33 carats
A wonderful, delicate, but very impressive ring resembles a fantasy primrose, making its way to the clear spring sky through the white cover of snow. This precious flower symbolizes rebirth and its graceful petals will shine as a guiding star on the finger of a woman who is ready for something new in life.
The stones were not chosen by jewelers by chance. Sapphire represents spirituality and hope, zircon represents leadership, and tsavorite represents love and prosperity. Forming a stunning jewelry harmony, they fill an elegant piece of jewelry with strength that helps the owner overcome obstacles on the path to her dream.
The ring is truly feminine and carries a special, spring mood.
Ring “Ariadne’s Thread”
Zircon 28,55 carats
The leitmotif for the birth of the author’s talisman ring was the beautiful Greek myth of Theseus and the Minotaur, which proves that love works wonders and helps to find a way out of the most difficult situations. The beautiful Ariadne gave the brave young man a thread, without which the hero would not have been able to get out of the tangled labyrinth.
This exclusive ring immediately fascinates with its complex weaving of a highly artistic white gold frame, smoothly leading us to the culmination of an elegant masterpiece – a large zircon. This stunning deep blue gemstone is considered a gem that brings success and helps you achieve your goals.
To emphasize its purity and colorful hue, Maxim Demidov’s craftsmen “braided” zircon weighing 28,55 carats with a sparkling thread from a whole scattering of first-order precious stones. Following the graceful lines of the base, more than one hundred and fifty blue sapphires and transparent diamonds perfectly support the play of light of the majestic central crystal, immersing you in a harmonious and vibrant fairy tale, made reality thanks to the virtuoso skill of the jewelers.
Price on request
Ring 1072310
Zircon 42,22 carats
The costume series “The Magnificent Century” left behind an equally magnificent trail and the deepest love of the audience. What is his secret? There are several secrets, but one of them is obvious: actress Meryem Uzerli in the role of Roksolana. At the casting, she immediately impressed the commission – soft and smooth, with a regal look from her wide, light eyes.
The original beauty of Meryem inspired Maxim Demidov designers to create a delightful ring of the same name in white gold, in which the restraint of the lines of the frame emphasizes the luxurious selection of precious stones of the highest characteristics.
The pinnacle of the exclusive decoration, its sultan, was an amazing celestial zircon, considered an effective talisman for strengthening willpower, developing perseverance and determination. It was these qualities that distinguished the historical character – Roxana, played by Meryem Uzerli.
Emphasizing the delicate blue color of the large central crystal weighing 42,22 carats, corresponding to the shade of the actress’s eyes, the jewelers surrounded the masterfully cut gem with eight dozen sparkling diamonds, reminding that without them it is difficult to imagine a truly luxurious piece of jewelry worthy of the beloved wife of Sultan Suleiman.
Ring “Rebirth”
Zircon 4,33 carats
A wonderful, delicate, but very impressive ring resembles a fantasy primrose, making its way to the clear spring sky through the white cover of snow. This precious flower symbolizes rebirth and its graceful petals will shine as a guiding star on the finger of a woman who is ready for something new in life.
The stones were not chosen by jewelers by chance. Sapphire represents spirituality and hope, zircon represents leadership, and tsavorite represents love and prosperity. Forming a stunning jewelry harmony, they fill an elegant piece of jewelry with strength that helps the owner overcome obstacles on the path to her dream.
The ring is truly feminine and carries a special, spring mood.
Ring “Ariadne’s Thread”
Zircon 28,55 carats
The leitmotif for the birth of the author’s talisman ring was the beautiful Greek myth of Theseus and the Minotaur, which proves that love works wonders and helps to find a way out of the most difficult situations. The beautiful Ariadne gave the brave young man a thread, without which the hero would not have been able to get out of the tangled labyrinth.
This exclusive ring immediately fascinates with its complex weaving of a highly artistic white gold frame, smoothly leading us to the culmination of an elegant masterpiece – a large zircon. This stunning deep blue gemstone is considered a gem that brings success and helps you achieve your goals.
To emphasize its purity and colorful hue, Maxim Demidov’s craftsmen “braided” zircon weighing 28,55 carats with a sparkling thread from a whole scattering of first-order precious stones. Following the graceful lines of the base, more than one hundred and fifty blue sapphires and transparent diamonds perfectly support the play of light of the majestic central crystal, immersing you in a harmonious and vibrant fairy tale, made reality thanks to the virtuoso skill of the jewelers.
Price on request
Ring 1072310
Zircon 42,22 carats
The costume series “The Magnificent Century” left behind an equally magnificent trail and the deepest love of the audience. What is his secret? There are several secrets, but one of them is obvious: actress Meryem Uzerli in the role of Roksolana. At the casting, she immediately impressed the commission – soft and smooth, with a regal look from her wide, light eyes.
The original beauty of Meryem inspired Maxim Demidov designers to create a delightful ring of the same name in white gold, in which the restraint of the lines of the frame emphasizes the luxurious selection of precious stones of the highest characteristics.
The pinnacle of the exclusive decoration, its sultan, was an amazing celestial zircon, considered an effective talisman for strengthening willpower, developing perseverance and determination. It was these qualities that distinguished the historical character – Roxana, played by Meryem Uzerli.
Emphasizing the delicate blue color of the large central crystal weighing 42,22 carats, corresponding to the shade of the actress’s eyes, the jewelers surrounded the masterfully cut gem with eight dozen sparkling diamonds, reminding that without them it is difficult to imagine a truly luxurious piece of jewelry worthy of the beloved wife of Sultan Suleiman.
Use of gems in jewelry
Zircon is beautiful in any jewelry because it has a wide range of shades. It is because of its stunning flashes of color that a small zircon can make a big difference. If you want to create a spectacular look, then choose large jewelry. However, for everyday and office looks, jewelry with small, elegant stones is ideal.
All colors of crystal are used as inlays in jewelry, but the most common colors that jewelers use are blue, golden brown, and clear. Blue zircon is considered very rare and popular, and it has a vibrant pastel or bright blue color.
Colorless zircon is usually diamond-cut to bring out its fiery flares to the fullest. This stone has been used for centuries in jewelry, especially as an imitation diamond.
Although some varieties of zircon are much rarer than diamonds, these stones tend to command a lower price. A gemstone can cost anywhere from $50 to $400 per carat, depending on the quality of the stone. Unique and rare specimens can fetch $1000 per carat or more.
Nuggets that are not suitable for jewelry are used to make fire-resistant and fire-resistant materials.
Earrings “Norwegian fresh”
Zircon (2) 34,29 carats
The Norwegian Fresh earrings embody the features of the Scandinavian style that has conquered the modern world. They are luxurious and laconic, focusing on the stones and their excellent cut. A few perfect details create a masterpiece worthy of comparison with the dazzlingly beautiful nature of Norway.
Ice and sun – such associations arise when looking at the enchanting combination of blue Cambodian zircons, yellow fancy and classic diamonds. The latter have a very original cut in the shape of a triangle, which helps the stones create an extravaganza of light.
The earrings are guaranteed to make a splash at any social event, especially when paired with a set of the same name.
