Gemstone Spotlight: Zircon
Dozens of strands of faceted champagne zircon beads. Available in a rainbow of hues, zircon is one of the oldest and most abundant minerals on Earth. Photo credit: Michelle Pajak-Reynolds
Zircon History and Lore
Zircon has been used as a gemstone for over 2,000 years. The ancient Greeks and Romans called it “hyacinth” or “jacinth” because its red, golden and yellow tones are similar to the cream, apricot and wine reds prevalent in hyacinth flowers. In the Tanakh, the Hebrew Bible, and in Exodus 28:15-21, zircon, listed as “jacinth” is the first gemstone in the third row in the breastplate of Aaron. This sacred object features 12 gemstones to represent the 12 tribes of Israel.
There is scholarly debate over how zircon received its name. Some believe the word zircon is derived from the Persian word “zargun” meaning “gold-hued” while others think the Arabic word “zarkun,” meaning “cinnabar” or “vermillion” is the source. Given zircons’ gorgeous color range, especially in the golden to reddish-brown tones, either derivation is possible.
In the Middle Ages, natural zircon was believed to promote peaceful sleep, prosperity and wisdom to those wearing it. During this time, zircons were also worn as protective amulets, especially for travelers to ward off injuries and plague. The gem would dull and lose its sparkle if the wearer was infected or in close proximity to disease. In business matters, wearing zircons was believed to aid in making prudent financial and strategic decisions.
In metaphysics, zircon is associated with the crown chakra and stimulating and moving sluggish energy through all of the chakra centers in the body. Zircons are healing gemstones for the zodiac signs of Leo, Virgo and Sagittarius. Considered a “Stone of Virtue” by metaphysical practitioners, zircon is believed to help one feel more balanced physically, emotionally and spiritually by promoting letting go of old feelings and reevaluating what truly matters in life.
Zircons are the traditional birthstone for September and one of three modern birthstones for December, the other two being tanzanite and turquoise.
Origins and Gemology
Natural zircon is found in a stunning range of colors including yellow, green, blue, red, reddish browns and my personal favorite, champagne hues. Green is the rarest shade and blue is the most popular. Almost all blue zircons are heat treated to be blue, a standard industry practice, to meet demand for this desirable shade. Faceted colorless zircons are known for their brilliance and sparkle and for centuries were frequently confused with diamonds.
Zircon is one of the most ancient and abundant minerals on Earth with some Australian specimens carbon-dating to 4.4 billion years old. Scientists currently estimate Earth at 4.56 billion years old and our moon at 4 billion years old. Zircon is found in the earth’s crust, the upper layer, and is one of the primary elements of sand along with quartz. Zircon is also used as a whiteness and opaqueness enhancer in ceramics glazes.
Gem-grade zircon mining has taken place in Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam for hundreds of years. More recent gem-grade deposits have been found in Australia, Nigeria and Madagascar. Due to its similar name, zircon is often confused with cubic zirconia. Zircon is a natural mineral called zirconium silicate, whereas cubic zirconia is a manmade synthetic gemstone of much lesser value.
How to Care for Zircon Jewelry
Zircon jewelry can be cleaned with warm water and gentle soap. Let your jewelry pieces soak for a few minutes. Then gently scrub with a soft brush, like an old toothbrush, rinse and let dry on a soft lint-free cloth. Zircon jewelry should be stored with great care. Despite ranking 6-7.5 on the Moh’s Scale of Hardness, it can be chipped and scratched by harder gemstones including diamonds, rubies and sapphires. Zircons can also scratch softer stones, including pearls and opals, so it’s ideal to store zircon jewelry separately from your more delicate pieces.
Please note, all metaphysical and healing properties listed are collected from a variety of sources and shared for educational, historical and entertainment purposes only. The authors and Michelle Pajak-Reynolds Studios LLC do not guarantee the validity of such statements nor is any of this information meant to treat medical conditions. If you have a medical concern, please consult your medical provider for appropriate treatment options.
