Zircon Gemstone

Zircon is a birthstone for the month of December along with Tanzanite and Turquoise. Zircons are considered as a popular substitute for diamonds due to their high brilliance. They occur in various colors from colorless to yellow, gold, red, brown, blue and green.

The name ‘Zircon’ derives from the Persian name ‘Zargun’ which means “Gold-Hued”, and the Light colored ones have been named as ‘Jargoon’. The English term ‘Zircon’ is derived from the German term ‘Zirkon’.

Zircons are natural gemstones and should not be confused with ‘cubic zirconia’ which is synthesized stone often used in low end jewelry.  Chemical composition of Zircon is ZrSiO₄ and it is famous for its high luster and dispersion which gives much brilliance and fire.

Most sought after colors of zircon are Blue, Red, Green and Yellow. These colored gemstones are often used in jewelry including rings, necklaces and bangles etc.

Colorless Zircons from Sri Lanka are found in the region of Matara and are called “Matara Zircons” or “Matara Diamonds”. These colorless Zircons are known for their brilliance and flashes of multicolored light.

Further, there are beautiful yellow, gold and green Zircons found in the mines of Sri Lanka (Ceylon).