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www.mineralgallery.co.za Minerals U-Z |
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Zircon |
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Name
Zircon
Chemistry
ZrSiO4
Uses
Gemstone and mineral specimens
Color
Black, blue, colorless, green, grey, reddish-brown, yellow
Hardness
7.5
Specific gravity
4-4.8
Crystals
Tetragonal
Accompanied by:
Cyrtolite
Fracture
Uneven
Luster
Adamantine
Cleavage
Prismatic, poor
Streak
White
Similar to:
Albite, Biotite, Garnets, Xenotime, Monazite
The name is derived from the Arabic word zargun, that means "gold color."
Zircon resembles diamond in luster.
Zircon, Zirconium Silicate, is mainly found in some metamorphic rocks and igneous rocks and as small crystals/ grains.
Large crystals are found occasionally in pegmatites, especially pegmatites related to rocks such as Syenite and Foyaite.
Zircon has a high index of refraction and, where crystals are large enough, is often used as a gemstone.
Matara diamond and Hyacinth or Jacinth are names used sometimes when referring to Zircon.
Zircon is the birthstone for December.
Zircon is mined in Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Myanmar, Australia, and other countries.
