Cushion Cut Zircon

Zircon

ByLuxiris Gems
Cushion Cut Zircon
Cushion Cut Zircon

Zircon

Zircon is a natural gemstone celebrated for its remarkable brilliance, fire, and diverse color range. Often mistaken for diamonds due to its optical properties, zircon holds its own unique place in the gemstone world. Its name comes from the Persian word “zargun,” meaning “gold-colored,” though it occurs in a spectrum of hues.

Variety and Category

  • Mineral Family: Nesosilicate
  • Chemical Formula: ZrSiO₄ (Zirconium Silicate)
  • Crystal System: Tetragonal
  • Mohs Hardness: 6.0–7.5

Zircon’s hardness makes it suitable for various types of jewelry. By taking care to avoid rough wear, especially for stones on the lower end of the hardness scale, Zircons can last longer.

Color and Value

Zircon exhibits a wide array of colors, including:

  • Blue: The most popular and valuable, often achieved through heat treatment.
  • Colorless (Jargon): Highly brilliant, historically used as a diamond substitute.
  • Yellow, Orange, and Brown: Naturally occurring hues.
  • Green: Rare and typically natural.
  • Red and Pink: Less common and highly prized.

The value of zircon is influenced by its color saturation, clarity, size, and whether it has undergone any treatments. Blue zircons, especially those with vivid saturation and minimal inclusions, command higher prices.

Optical Properties

Zircon is renowned for its high refractive index (1.810–2.024) and strong dispersion (0.039), contributing to its exceptional brilliance and fire. These properties can make well-cut zircons appear similar to diamonds. Additionally, zircon exhibits birefringence, which can cause a doubling effect of facets when viewed under magnification.

Common Cuts and Applications of Zircon

Yellow Zircon Pendant by Luxiris Gems
Yellow Zircon Pendant by Luxiris Gems

To maximize its optical properties, zircon is typically faceted into shapes such as round, oval, pear, and cushion cuts. Its brilliance makes it a popular choice for various types of jewelry, including rings, earrings, pendants, and bracelets. However, due to its relative brittleness, protective settings are recommended for rings and bracelets.

Sri Lankan Uniqueness

Sri Lanka, historically known as Ceylon, has been a significant source of high-quality zircon for centuries. The gem-rich regions, particularly around Ratnapura, yield zircons known for their exceptional clarity and vibrant colors. Notably, the term “Matura diamond” refers to colorless zircons from the Matara region, once mistaken for diamonds due to their brilliance. Sri Lankan zircons are esteemed in the global gemstone market for their superior quality and natural beauty.

At Luxiris Gems (PVT) Ltd., we take immense pride in offering authentic Sri Lankan zircons, each meticulously selected for its exceptional beauty and quality. Our commitment to ethical sourcing and excellence ensures that our clients receive gemstones that are not only stunning but also steeped in the rich heritage of Sri Lanka’s gemological legacy. Why wait or hesitate? Contact us now to find your destined gemstone.