ZIRCON

Zircon is a significant gemstone that comes in a variety of hues and has been utilized for thousands of years. Although it is occasionally perceived as a cheap imitation of a diamond, it may actually be a precious jewel. Its variety in colors is due to the presence of various impurities, some of which are radioactive. In a process known as metamiction, the interior crystal structure of radioactive element traces is destroyed. To stabilize these radioactive Zircon forms for usage as jewels, heat is required. In fact, heat treatment is often used to improve color and clarity in zircon gem forms, which are likewise non-radioactive. Zircon gemstones have relatively little radioactivity, which is usually thought to be harmless and not pose any health risks.

The only other natural gem that comes close to Diamond in appearance is zircon. It sparkles with a genuine glitter that is akin to diamonds because to its brilliant luster and tremendous fire. The fact that it is sometimes mistaken for a cheap Diamond counterfeit, however, considerably lessens its desirability. Due of its significant double refraction and lesser hardness than diamond, colorless zircon may be clearly separated from it.

Zircon is a very sought-after gem because to its spectacular shine and fire, excellent hardness, and variety of hues. It does, however, possess certain negative characteristics. Few zircons have an intriguing and peculiar propensity of darkening in color and losing shine after prolonged contact to sunlight. By subjecting the stones to a second heat treatment, this impact can be reversed. If struck too firmly, zircon is also prone to chipping and fracture. For this reason, Zircon gemstone faceting must be done carefully. When faceting zircon, it's crucial to cut along the right angles in order to reduce the appearance of the material's high double refraction. Strong double refraction can cause unfaceted propely zircons to seem fuzzy.

Occasionally, zircon is mistaken for cubic zirconia. Colorless Zircon is comparable to Cubic Zirconia, a man-made, affordable Diamond substitute with a name that sounds similar. The only similarity between the two is that they both include the zirconium element in their chemical makeup, while being completely different substances.

Heat treatment is frequently used on zircon gemstones to improve transparency and color. Zircon that is semi-transparent, grayish-brown or reddish-brown in hue from the majority of locations will become blue when heated in an oxygen-free atmosphere. These blue stones' hue changes to a golden-brown when they are afterwards heated again in air. Some zircon gemstones may also be heated to make colorless jewels. Almost all blue and colorless Zircon varieties have undergone heat treatment.