Natural Zircon
Hardness: 6.5-7.5 (Mohs scale)
Density: 4.6-4.7g/cm³
Refractive index: 1.925-1.961
One of the oldest known minerals on Earth – some specimens are over 4 billion years old. Unfortunately, it is often confused with synthetic cubic zirconia, which also has a different chemical composition.
Thanks to its high luster and strong dispersion, it can easily imitate diamonds to the untrained eye. In addition to the colorless variety, it also occurs in a wide range of colours – from blue, through green, yellow, to brown or red.
It is quite often found as a companion mineral, but it is much rarer to reach gem quality. The most commonly used zircons in jewelry are from India, Brazil, Australia, Sri Lanka, but also from Canada, Madagascar or Russia.
By heating in an oxidizing or reducing atmosphere, the color of natural zircon can also be changed.
Its name comes from the Persian word zargun, meaning "gold-colored". It has long been believed to bring peace, wisdom, and to protect against nightmares. The most spiritually powerful should be the reddish-brown variety hyacinth - it is supposed to be a social stone that helps us get rid of prejudices and feelings of inferiority. On the other hand, it deepens mutual understanding and peace.