Mineral | Zircon |
---|---|
Chemistry | ZrSiO4 |
Color | Blue |
Refractive Index | 1.81 - 1.984 |
Birefringence | 0.000 - 0.059 |
Specific Gravity | 3.90 - 4.73 |
Mohs Hardness | 6.0 - 7.5 |
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4.44ct (ZI0555)
15.58ct - 12mm (ZI0551)
14.36ct (ZI0547)
17.66ct (ZI0542)
82.94ct (ZI0533)
71.57ct (ZI0493)
7.65ct - 12x10mm (ZI0270)
5.79ct (ZI0266)
Blue Zircon is a captivating gemstone known for its beautiful blue color and exceptional brilliance. Here's an in-depth look at Blue Zircon, including its attributes, value, sources, properties, colors, and care
Mineral | Zircon |
---|---|
Chemistry | ZrSiO4 |
Color | Blue |
Refractive Index | 1.81 - 1.984 |
Birefringence | 0.000 - 0.059 |
Specific Gravity | 3.90 - 4.73 |
Mohs Hardness | 6.0 - 7.5 |
The value of Blue Zircon, like any gemstone, is influenced by the four Cs: cut, color, carat, and clarity. On average, Blue Zircon is priced at around $75 per carat for stones weighing 5-6 carats. High-quality Blue Zircon gemstones can reach prices of up to $200 per carat. Larger stones, weighing more than 10 carats, can command prices in the range of $150-$175 per carat.
Blue Zircon is named for its aquamarine blue color, with a hint of green when viewed from certain angles. Zircon possesses a distinctive quality known as birefringence or double refraction, which may require cutters to orient the stone's table to the optic axis to avoid facet image doubling.
Blue Zircon is found in igneous rock formations around the world. The largest source of gem-quality Blue Zircon is Southeast Asia, with significant production in Thailand, Cambodia, and Sri Lanka. Other countries where Blue Zircon can be found include Russia, Norway, Germany, Madagascar, and Brazil, although the quality is often not as high as that from Southeast Asia.
Blue Zircon crystals are often found in rounded and twinned pebbles. The refractive index of Blue Zircon can vary widely, from 1.78 to 2.01, depending on the presence of radioactive elements in the stone's structure. Higher refractive index values indicate less damage to the stone. Most Blue Zircon on the market has undergone heat treatment to enhance its color. Blue Zircon has a hardness ranging from 6 on the Mohs scale for lesser quality stones to 7.5 for high-quality specimens. It exhibits uniaxial optics and pleochroism, which are relatively rare in blue-colored gemstones.
While Blue Zircon is an excellent diamond substitute, it is not as hard as diamonds and should be worn with care. Rings set with Blue Zircon should have protective settings to prevent damage. It is advisable to wear Blue Zircon jewelry occasionally rather than daily. Cleaning Blue Zircon should be done with care, using warm water, mild soap, and a soft brush. Avoid mechanical cleaning systems, as Blue Zircon is a brittle gemstone. Dry the gemstone with a soft cloth.