Zircon
Zircons are largely known for their similarity with diamonds, they have been mined for over 2,000 years, first found amongst gravel in Sri Lanka. The name derives from ancient Persian ‘zargun’ which means golden-coloured, zircon can be a multitude of autumnal colours as well as blue and colourless. Not to be confused with cubic zirconia, blue zircon was particularly popular in Victorian Britain as it was known as a ‘stone of virtue’.
Zircon contains trace amounts of uranium, which means that scientists can use them to date rocks. The oldest rock-bearing zircon is known to be 4.4 billion years old.
Where is zircon mined?
Today Zircon is being mined in Madagascar, Canada, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Myanmar and New Zealand.
Properties
Zircon is 7.5 on the Mohs scale.
Colour
Red, orange, yellow, green, blue, brown, colourless.