Zirconium: a stone in jewelry, its properties and origin

History and origin

Zircon is considered one of the most ancient minerals. This is confirmed by a unique find of scientists. They managed to find Australian zircon. Its age reaches 4.4 billion years. Despite its excellent physical characteristics and attractive appearance, the stone was not widely used.

In ancient times, it was often mistaken for other gems of similar shades - topazes, tourmalines, rubies. Transparent zircon was passed off as diamonds.

It was only after the fifteenth century that the stone was appreciated in Europe. At the same time, it received different names based on color. Thus, the yellow varieties were called slangs, the blue varieties were called starlites, and the reddish-brown varieties were called hyacinths. But they did not please the rich nobles. Therefore, the stones were not widely used.

The fate of the mineral worsened during Soviet times. During that period, a synthetic analogue of a diamond was developed - cubic zirconia. In English it is called Zirconia. That is why the term “zirconium” arose in the Russian language. At the same time, natural zircon lost its position. It began to be confused with its artificial analogue.

Zircon prices

Pendant with hyacinth
In the jewelry market, the highest demand is for zircon of 1–2 carats. The cost of stones of this mass ranges from 10 to 20 US dollars per carat. The greater the weight of the stone, the higher its price. Thus, gems of 3–5 carats can be purchased for 20–30 US dollars.

Favorites in the varied zircon palette are stones of pastel blue shades. In the States 40 years ago, the cost of a mineral weighing from 5 to 10 carats ranged from 60 to 200 dollars per 1 carat.

Starlite comes to the world market from Cambodia and its range expects the best. How much does a sparkling stone cost? For 1 kg of stone they ask for a very high price. You can buy a small gem for 30–40 US dollars per 1 carat, a large stone will cost 100–200 US dollars per carat.

Physicochemical characteristics

Zircon stone has the following properties:

• formula – zirconium silicate;
• hardness in accordance with the Mohs scale – 6-8;
• increased fragility;
• different shades - red, pink, yellow, green, gray;
• density parameters – 4.6-4.7 g/cm3;
• diamond shine;
• high degree of refraction.

Various substances are obtained from the mineral - uranium, zirconium, hafnium. On average, the size of a gem is several millimeters. However, large stones are extremely rare.

Important! Opaque and large crystals are characterized by excessive background radiation. They should not be worn or stored at home.

How to care for stone

Zircon crystal
If you properly care for the gemstone, it will delight you with its incredible shine for many years. Let us highlight the basic rules for caring for a gem:

1. Since the crystal is fragile, it must be worn with care. It will not tolerate scratches or other damage.
2. For frames, choose high quality metals. Low-grade silver and gold will dull the brightness over time.
3. Store jewelry separately from other stones.
4. Never use chemicals for cleaning. It is permissible to wash the pebble only in a weak soap solution using a flannel cloth.

Scope of application

The use of zircon in jewelry has become widespread. This mineral is often inserted into various jewelry. The stone in jewelry looks best in combination with yellow gold. It is also often combined with silver. In this case, platinum is not used.

Expensive jewelry often comes on sale, which is complemented with starlites, malacons or hyacinths.

Rings, pendants and earrings are most often made from zircon. Pendants and tiaras with this stone are somewhat less common. Necklaces with zircon are considered very rare.

Most often, gems are used as an alternative to diamonds. They have a more affordable price, but look very attractive.

Compatibility with other stones

The meaning of the “little brother of diamond” in terms of belonging to the elements is the union of Earth and Water; in astrological terms, it is under the auspices of Jupiter. This stone is picky about its neighbors. He categorically protests against a diamond or a brilliant, and does not like rubies, which shine brighter than himself. The Union of Earth and Water sees Fire as its main enemy, so grenades are also “in the air.”

Ring with zircon

The best neighbors for this gem are the minerals of Earth and Water, except for morion. It is incompatible with Morion due to planetary incompatibility.

Zircon goes well with:

• with agates and chalcedony of various types;
• jasper;
• heliotrope;
• malachite;
• turquoise;
• emerald;
• opal;
• aventurine;
• serpentine;
• melanitis;
• Labrador

The combination with Air minerals is questionable. It is impossible to predict how each of these stones will behave. Therefore, it is everyone’s personal choice whether to wear zircon at the same time:

• with crystal;
• lapis lazuli;
• smoky quartz;
• amethyst;
• amazonite;
• chrysoprase.

Colors and subtypes

This mineral has many varieties. These include the following:

1. Matar diamond is a transparent mineral that is very popular among jewelers. It is mined in Sri Lanka and is often passed off as a diamond.
2. Jargon - represents yellow zircon. It can have different shades - from straw to brighter golden. Sometimes this gem is passed off as another gem - chrysoberyl.
3. Hyacinth is a transparent red zircon. It can have different shades - pale pink or a more saturated crimson. Veins are often found in gems. They can be golden or brown.
4. Malacon is a brown variety of zircon. It contains uranium impurities. The radioactive properties do not make it possible to use the gem in the jewelry industry.
5. Starlite is a blue zircon. It is extremely rare. Sometimes you can find blue zircon, which also has this name.

There are also other color variations - green, purple, black zircon. At the same time, green zircon is considered the most dangerous because it has radioactive properties.

Thanks to the variety of shades, you can choose the best option. The healing and magical properties of the stone are almost identical.

Field

Transparent raw zircon

Zircon is rarely found in its pure form; more often it is part of alkaline igneous rocks. Deposits of this mineral were found in Brazil, Thailand, Australia, and on the island of Madagascar.

It is mined in Canada, Norway, and the Korean Peninsula. Deposits have also been discovered in Russia: in the Urals and Yakutia.

What's the difference between zircon and zirconium?

Many people often confuse the terms. They regard “zircon” and “zirconium” as the same stone. In fact, these concepts are used to refer to different gems.

First you need to understand the differences between zircon and zirconium. The first concept is used to designate a precious stone, and the second is the name of the metal. When choosing zirconium, many people are interested in what the substance looks like. It has a silvery-white tint.

The metal does not occur naturally. It is obtained from various chemical compounds. The production is based on mineral. That's why zirconium and zircon have similar names.

It is worth mentioning cubic zirconia separately. Essentially, this is an artificial diamond that was created at the Physical Institute of the Academy of Sciences. Subsequently, in the jewelry industry it was called cubic zirconium. This name is often found on jewelry. It is worth considering that artificial zirconium does not have magical properties.

When choosing a specific product, you need to know what kind of gem it is based on - natural or artificial. This affects the properties and appearance of jewelry. There are also differences in price. Zirconium jewelry is much cheaper.

Application in jewelry

The beautiful shine of cubic zirconia, which is almost indistinguishable from the shine of real diamonds, allows jewelers to use an artificial crystal to make jewelry. They are several times cheaper than those containing real gems. But only a professional will distinguish that the product contains a stone created by human hands, and not by nature. Jewelry with cubic zirconia always looks sophisticated and elegant.

1. A blue stone in white gold will decorate a lady’s neck and will be the finishing touch to an everyday outfit. In addition, it will relieve obsessive thoughts.
2. Brown mineral in silver is suitable for a lady with any hair color. It will add to its owner’s knowledge about the structure of the surrounding world.
3. Floral-themed jewelry will suit a business style of clothing. They will add romance to the strict image of a business woman.

   

4. Blue crystal products are ideal for blondes.
5. A bright outfit requires jewelry with green minerals. This set is worn with a long floor-length dress.

   

6. Stud earrings with colorless stones should be worn by young girls. Their ears are just right for such products. The amulet will help you figure out whether her admirer’s feelings are real or not.
7. For a woman with large facial features, massive jewelry is suitable. They will enhance your sense of intuition.

   

8. Representatives of the better half of humanity with an oval face should opt for medium-sized stones. They are able to help their owner no less than large ones.

Jewelry stores offer a huge selection of zirconium products. Every person, regardless of gender and age, will be able to choose a product to their liking.

Who suits the name

You should choose a mascot based on your name. The gem is perfect for the following men:

1. Vyacheslav - a stone helps to predict various events. With the help of gems it is possible to detect lies and flattery. They also warn of danger.
2. Nikolay - hyacinths are suitable for owners of this name. Red zircons help you find the right path, achieve success and gain opportunities for development. With the help of the mineral, it is possible to improve your financial situation and achieve prosperity.
3. Matvey - all types of crystals are suitable for people with this name. However, it is best to use varieties of warm colors - red, yellow or brown. Such talismans help you become luckier and avoid rash actions.

Women can also use the stone. The properties characteristic of the mineral are fully revealed in the owners of the following names:

1. Diana - self-flowering helps women with this name become richer. The stone helps solve problems.
2. Nina - in this case, the mineral helps to become more mentally stable and to endure troubles more easily. With the help of a gem you can cope with disappointments.
3. Galina – the mineral will help the owners of this name to become more sociable. Thanks to this gem, you will be able to recharge with optimism and joyfully greet every day.

The magic of mineral

Zircon is a stone of truth and justice. This gem not only does not tolerate deceivers, but also helps the owner to catch people in lies, hypocrisy and flattery, developing the owner’s intuitive abilities. If a fraudster dares to use a gem as a talisman or just a decoration, then the stone will repay him with an evil fate, bringing him to trial and imprisonment.

Zircon prefers to see a man in his owners. However, some girls can also count on friendship with the mineral.

The gem favors female representatives who are engaged in scientific activities. The stone will give them clarity of mind, strengthen logical thinking, and help them consider assigned tasks from different angles.

The mineral provides support to businessmen, especially beginners, who risk losing large sums of money. Such people need to have a gem amulet with them, at least until it becomes clear that the risk is justified.

Also read: Larimar - the magic of the azure mineral

Varieties such as jargon and hyacinth love bold innovators who risk everything without fear. These minerals favor developers of new products, discoverers of new lands, researchers, designers, inventors, all people who bring innovations to this world.

Zircon and zodiac signs

Many people are interested in who this stone is suitable for according to their zodiac sign. When choosing jewelry with it, you should consider the following features:

1. Virgos are considered melancholic and prone to depression. For representatives of this zodiac sign, zircon helps improve mood and minimize negative attitudes towards life.
2. For Cancers, pink zircon is suitable, as it helps increase sexuality and become more decisive. With the help of the mineral you can liberate yourself.
3. Leos are considered to be hot-tempered and emotional. A yellow stone will suit them. Thanks to this gem, it will be possible to neutralize not very good character traits - pride, intolerance, excessive emotionality.
4. Pisces are considered sacrificial and always try to come to the rescue. Blue or white zircon is suitable for representatives of this zodiac constellation. It helps attract prosperity and longevity.
5. Aries suits stones of any shade. Using zircon helps you become more restrained and learn to concentrate when making difficult decisions.

Capricorns, Aquarius, Scorpios and Taurus have average compatibility with the mineral. The stone is neutral towards them.

Color varieties

Nature has given birth to several subspecies of zircon, many of which have their own names:

• Hyacinth. The main color type of the mineral is red or reddish-brown. Shades range from ruby ​​to dark brown.

  

• Jargon. Yellow nugget.

  

• Gray zircon. Often translucent or opaque.

  

• Malacon. The mineral is rich brown in color, turning black.

  

  Read also:  Is the ruby ​​natural? Ungentrified? Yes! And how can you see it?
• Green zircon.

  

• Matar Diamond. A crystal clear, colorless stone used by jewelers as a diamond substitute.

  

• Starlit. Blue mineral.

  

Starlite, a blue-blue stone similar to sapphire, is also found in jewelry. This is not the natural color of the mineral; it is created by burning hyacinth. The disadvantage is the loss of color saturation over time. Green zircon is not used for making jewelry, as it carries a radioactive hazard to the human body.

Medicinal properties

The healing properties of the stone are due to the unusual shape of the crystals. Thanks to this, it accumulates vital energy. The gem is able to absorb or give it away.

The mineral helps improve the functioning of the nervous system. In case of ischemia, the stone allows you to reduce the frequency and severity of attacks. For this, it is recommended to use a pendant or necklace.

Therapeutic characteristics may vary depending on the shade:

1. Yellow crystals help improve the functions of the pancreas, liver, and gall bladder. With their help, it is possible to normalize bile synthesis and improve its composition. The mineral helps treat poisoning and cleanses, removes toxins and toxic substances.
2. Dark brown gems are good for treating respiratory problems. They help alleviate sinusitis, bronchitis, pneumonia and speed up recovery. The crystal should also be worn during flu epidemics for preventive purposes.
3. Hyacinths are considered the most powerful variety of zircon. With their help, it is possible to normalize the functions of the heart and blood vessels. Crystals also promote recovery from traumatic injuries. It is best to wear a ring with a crystal. Moreover, it should be put on the middle finger of the left hand.
4. Transparent crystals activate metabolic processes and accelerate the process of losing weight.

How to wear it correctly

Despite being picky about its neighbors, the mineral is completely undemanding when it comes to purchasing according to lunar phases or days of the week. The stone either recognizes you as its owner or it doesn’t.

A gold ring with hyacinth is traditionally worn on the middle finger of the right hand, while a silver piece should occupy the same place on the left hand. It is best not to expose any type of mineral to the sun for long periods of time, especially starlite (blue stone), which will quickly fade.

Precious jewelry fits perfectly into an elegant evening look. For everyday style, you can choose beautiful jewelry.

Magic properties

Zircon is a stone characterized by magical properties. With its help, it is possible to improve memory and attention. The mineral develops intuition and attracts well-being. Crystals help you learn to identify lies and hypocrisy.

In this case, the properties may differ slightly depending on the shade:

1. Red and yellow stones help bring good luck to explorers. Today they are often used by businessmen, scientists, and inventors.
2. Black stone helps to hide important information from strangers. Therefore, such decorations were often used by the creators of secret organizations.

Although the gem is more suitable for men, it can also be given to girls. Thanks to this crystal, you will be able to get rid of the tendency to panic. With its help, you can learn to perceive the situation soberly and make the right decisions.

Talismans and amulets

Even in ancient times, sorcerers and magicians attributed miraculous powers to zircon. For example, a red stone gives a lady mystery and charm.

A woman wearing zircon earrings becomes sexy, attractive and mysterious. She is able to attract any man to her.

Yellow stone is a symbol of wisdom and success. If you want to improve your relationships with people around you and establish a business, then this gem is just for you.

A pendant with blue zircon is a traveler’s talisman. Be sure to take it with you when going on a long journey. This amulet will protect the traveler from possible trouble.

Indian yogis believe that zircon has the ability to accumulate energy, relieves fatigue from the owner and gives him vigor. Wear earrings or a ring with this stone before meditation, and your chakras will definitely open.

An amulet with zircon will help a timid person make decisions more boldly and push him to achieve his goal.

When using zircon as a talisman, try not to let it touch your skin. It is better if the gem is enclosed in a frame.

Ways to recognize a fake

Zircon is often used by scammers to imitate diamonds. An appraiser will help identify a fake. A diamond is characterized by single rather than double refraction of light.

Note! Cubic zirconia can be passed off as zircons. However, artificial stones are heavy.

To recognize a fake yourself, you should check the stone under a magnifying glass in bright light. On the edges of a natural crystal you will be able to see an optical illusion, namely, double the shine.

Zircon is a beautiful mineral that has healing properties and is often used as an amulet. To choose high-quality jewelry with this gem and look perfect, it is recommended to take its properties into account.

How to distinguish natural zircon from fake

There are several ways to help identify a real stone.

• To distinguish natural zircon from cubic zirconia, you should remember the characteristics of the stone. Transparent specimens themselves are very rare, however, they will certainly contain inclusions, voids, etc. Cubic zirconia in any case will be transparent, like a tear.
• Zircon shimmers exactly like diamond, but where there are any inclusions there is a resinous tint.
• Zircon has a very low density compared to cubic zirconia, therefore, stones of the same size will differ in weight - zircon will be lighter than a fake.
• Zircon is often radioactive. If you have a device that measures radiation levels, it can help determine the naturalness of the stone.

As presented in nature

Zirconium is not a rare metal. But it does not form large deposits, scattered throughout the earth's crust.

A ton of the earth's crust contains 170-250 g of the substance, a liter of water - 0.00005 mg.

The main form of occurrence in nature is four dozen minerals. The most famous and common: zircon, baddeleyite, eudialyte. The formula for the latter contains two dozen characters.

Zircon

Eudialyte

Hafnium is present in the structure of all zircon minerals. It also “accompanies” zirconium in deposits.

Physical and chemical characteristics

The density of zirconium is 6506 kg/m3. The metal has a melting point of 1855.3ºС, does not have high thermal conductivity, only 21 W/m*ºС, for example, for titanium this value is almost twice as high. Electrical resistance is directly proportional to the levels of nitrogen and oxygen in the composition.

Pure metal is not characterized by high mechanical properties. The hardness of zirconium on the Vickers scale is 70 units, the strength is 175 MPa, which is 3 times less than that of carbon steel. The element belongs to ductile metals, the elastic modulus is 96 MPa.

All described properties are conditional due to the fact that their values ​​vary with increasing amount of impurities in the composition. For example, when the oxygen content increases, the ductility of the metal decreases to such an extent that stamping or forging is impossible. As the amount of hydrogen increases, fragility increases.

The metal is resistant to water, as well as many acids and alkalis. However, as with mechanical properties, corrosion resistance depends on the presence of aluminum and titanium . The metal does not react with a 50% solution of hydrochloric and sulfuric acids. At a temperature of 780ºС or more, zirconium begins to actively absorb oxygen. Similar processes occur more slowly with nitrogen, but they occur at a temperature of 600ºC.

In this sense, the most active gas is hydrogen. It penetrates metal already at 145 degrees. This process is accompanied by intense heat release, so much so that the metal even increases in volume. Zirconium powder is so dangerous that it can ignite when exposed to air. However, this is a reversible process; hydrogen can be completely removed using specialized equipment at a temperature of at least 800ºC.

Cancer

Zircon is a special stone for Cancer. People born under this zodiac sign are, in most cases, accustomed to retreating, not giving their partner a chance to realize themselves. Cancer women are especially reserved in intimate matters.

The mineral tends to excite such representatives of the fair sex and increases attraction to men.

This is due to the unusual structure of the crystal, which resembles a double pyramid. Huge sexual energy gathered in the middle of it. And the crystal shell makes the owner believe in himself and overcome the fear of being defeated.