Zircon | Crystallography, Radioactivity, Geology | Britannica (original) (raw)

zircon, silicate mineral, zirconium silicate, ZrSiO4, the principal source of zirconium. Zircon is widespread as an accessory mineral in felsic igneous rocks. It also occurs in metamorphic rocks and, fairly often, in detrital deposits. It occurs in beach sands in many parts of the world, particularly Australia, India, Brazil, and Florida, and is a common heavy mineral in sedimentary rocks. Gem varieties occur in stream gravels and detrital deposits, particularly in mainland Southeast Asia and Sri Lanka but also in Australia and New Zealand. Zircon forms an important part of the syenite of southern Norway and occurs in large crystals in Quebec. For detailed physical properties, see silicate mineral (table).

Learn how the earth keeps itself fresh and new and how the chemical properties of zircon determine the age of the earthThe chemical properties of zircon make it a useful tool in determining the age of Earth.

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The high refractive index and dispersion of zircon cause it to approach diamond in fire and brilliancy. Several varietal names have been applied to coloured gems. Hyacinth (jacinth) includes the clear, transparent red, orange, and yellow varieties. Matura diamond, from Sri Lanka, is clear and colourless, either naturally or made so through heat treatment under oxidizing conditions. The name jargon, like zircon derived from Persian zargūn, applies to all other colours. A lovely blue stone may be made by heat treatment under reducing conditions.

This article was most recently revised and updated by John P. Rafferty.