mineral
Rough White Zircon
Zircon (Zirconium Silicate, ZrSiO4)
Hardness: 7.5 Mohs scale. Color: Colorless to pale yellow/brown. Luster: Adamantine to vitreous. Crystal structure: Tetragonal. Specific gravity: 4.6-4.7. High refractive index.
- Hardness
- 7
- Color
- Colorless to pale yellow/brown
- Luster
- Adamantine to vitreous
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7.5 Mohs scale. Color: Colorless to pale yellow/brown. Luster: Adamantine to vitreous. Crystal structure: Tetragonal. Specific gravity: 4.6-4.7. High refractive index.
Formation & geological history
Formed as a primary crystallization product in igneous rocks (granites, pegmatites) and metamorphic rocks. Due to its resistance to weathering, it is often found in alluvial placer deposits.
Uses & applications
Used as a gemstone (natural alternative to diamond), as a source of zirconium and hafnium for industrial ceramics, and significantly in geochronology for dating the age of the Earth.
Geological facts
Zircon is the oldest mineral ever found on Earth, with some specimens from Western Australia dating back more than 4.4 billion years. It is often confused with Cubic Zirconia, which is a synthetic material.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its high density, adamantine luster when wet or polished, and tetragonal crystal habit. Often found in heavy mineral sands or riverbeds in gemstone-rich regions like Sri Lanka, Australia, or Vietnam.
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metamorphic
Gypsum (variety Selenite or Alabaster)
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Mineral
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Mineral/Rock
Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
igneous