AllMineralsRock
Zircon
Zircon is a very popular gemstone composed of zirconium silicate. [1]
Zircon: Quick Facts and Characteristics
Some quick facts for Zircon:- Transparency: Zircon can be opaque, translucent or transparent.
- Crystallography: In terms of crystallography, zircon is tetragonal.
- Luster: In terms of luster, zircon can be adamantine, greasy or vitreous (glassy).
- Streak: Zircon streaks colorless.
- Hardness: Zircon's hardness ranges from 6 to 7.5 on the Moh's scale.
- Specific Gravity: Zircon's specific gravity ranges from 3.95 to 4.08.
Zircon: Background and Summary
Zircon is a mineral that belongs to the group of nesosilicates. It is a naturally occurring mineral that is usually found in igneous rocks and sedimentary deposits. Zircon is a hard mineral that has a range of colors including yellow, brown, red, green, and blue. It is also known for its high refractive index, which makes it a popular gemstone.One way to identify zircon is by its crystal structure. Zircon crystals are tetragonal, meaning they have four sides and four angles. They also have a distinctive prismatic shape. Zircon has a high specific gravity, which means it feels heavy for its size. It is also resistant to chemical weathering, so it can often be found in riverbeds and other alluvial deposits.
Zircon has a number of uses in industry and manufacturing. One of its most important uses is in the manufacture of ceramic materials, such as tiles, pottery, and refractory materials. Zircon is also used in the production of abrasive materials, such as sandpaper and grinding wheels. It is also used in the production of high-quality glass, as it helps to increase the refractive index of the glass and make it more durable.
Zircon: Table of Properties
| Attribute | Zircon (src) |
|---|---|
| Transparency | transparent, translucent, opaque |
| Chemical Formula | ZrSiO4 |
| Chemical Composition | zirconium silicate |
| Specific Gravity | 3.95, 4.08, 4.2, 4.6, 4.6, 4.8 |
| Hardness | 6, 7.5 |
| Streak | colorless |
| Crystallography | tetragonal |
| Refractive Index | 1.78, 1.85, 1.85, 1.92, 1.93, 2.01 |
| Hydrous | No |
| Colors | common: brown sometimes: red less common: blue, gray, pale, pink, green, white, orange, purple, yellow, colorless |
| Solubility | Insoluble |
| Category | nesosilicate |
| Birefringence | δ = 0.047–0.055 |
| Fracture | 1: 1 |
Zircon: FAQ
Q: Is zircon radioactive?A: Some zircon crystals can contain trace amounts of radioactive elements, such as uranium and thorium. However, the vast majority of zircon crystals are not radioactive and are safe to handle.
Q: Is zircon the same as cubic zirconia?
A: No, zircon and cubic zirconia are two different minerals. Zircon is a natural mineral, while cubic zirconia is a synthetic material that is often used as a diamond substitute in jewelry.
Q: Can zircon be used in jewelry?
A: Yes, zircon is a popular gemstone that is often used in jewelry. It is especially popular as a substitute for diamond, as it has a similar luster and brilliance. However, it is important to note that zircon is not as hard as diamond and can be more easily scratched or damaged.
Sources
- "Zircon: The Mineral Zircon Information and Pictures." Minerals.net, https://www.minerals.net/mineral/zircon.aspx. Accessed 24 Aug. 2021.- "Zirconium and Hafnium." USGS, https://www.usgs.gov/centers/nmic/zirconium-and-hafnium. Accessed 24 Aug. 2021.
- Zircon: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zircon
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