gemstone
Blue Zircon
Zircon (Zirconium Silicate), ZrSiO4
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 7.5, Color: Bright cyan blue, Luster: Adamantine to vitreous, Crystal Structure: Tetragonal, Cleavage: Indistinct, Specific Gravity: 4.6-4.7, High double refraction (birefringence).
- Hardness
- 7
Identified More gemstone →
Explore Blue Zircon in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 7.5, Color: Bright cyan blue, Luster: Adamantine to vitreous, Crystal Structure: Tetragonal, Cleavage: Indistinct, Specific Gravity: 4.6-4.7, High double refraction (birefringence).
Formation & geological history
Formed in igneous and metamorphic rocks; heavy mineral sands. Most blue zircons are heat-treated from reddish-brown crystals found in Cambodia.
Uses & applications
Primarily used as a gemstone in high-end jewelry. Industrially, zircon is a source of zirconium and zirconium dioxide.
Geological facts
Zircon is the oldest mineral on Earth, with some grains dated to 4.4 billion years. It is a traditional birthstone for December.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its high dispersion (fire) and strong double refraction, which causes a doubling of facet edges when viewed through the table. Common in Cambodia, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.
More like this
Other gemstone specimens
Ammolite
Ammolite (Biogenic Aragonite with trace elements; fossils of Placenticeras meeki and Placenticeras intercalare)
mineral
Gemstone Ring
N/A - Set piece of jewelry, likely Amethyst or Garnet with Diamond or CZ
gemstone
Amber
Succinite (Organic Gemstone)
mineral
Red Jasper
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with Hematite inclusions
sedimentary
Diamond and Gold Jewelry
Carbon (Diamond) / Au (Gold)
gemstone
Pearl necklace
Pearl, primarily aragonite (CaCO₃) and conchiolin
gemstone