How do you identify a mineral zircon?
Zircon is a naturally occurring mineral with a chemical composition of ZrSiO4. Zirconium is a silvery white metal and a chemical element. It has an atomic number of 40 and an atomic symbol of Zr. Zirconia is the white crystalline oxide of zirconium with a chemical composition of ZrO2.
What type of crystal is zircon?
Zircon is a transparent to semi-transparent silicate. Its crystal structure is tetragonal, a short, stocky four-sided prism with a pyramid end. It can contain uranium and have a slight fluorescence.
Is zircon a real gemstone?
Zircon is a natural stone. It is a zirconium silicate which appears a a dark brown, green or red color after extraction and changes color when heated. Most blue stones are pastel blue, but some exceptional gems have a bright blue color. Zircon is also available in green, dark red, purple, yellow, brown and orange.
Is zircon a valuable stone?
Zircon is an important gemstone of many colors, and is an historical gemstone used for thousands of years. It is sometimes looked upon as a cheap Diamond simulant, but in actuality it can be a valuable gem.
What color zircon is most valuable?
Blue is the most valuable zircon variety and among the most sought after. However, natural blue zircon is difficult to come by, so many blue stones on the market have been heat-treated to obtain the signature zircon pastel blue shades.
Does zircon have any value?
The golden color known as honey zircon tends to be less expensive, as does the red zircon from Africa. Red zircon typically ranges in price from $75 to $125 per carat, while the honey zircon sells for $50 to $100 per carat. Exceptional colors or very large sizes will be more.
What is the rarest color of zircon?
Green
Zircons come in many colors, but blue is perhaps the most popular and expensive. However, almost all blue zircon is heat treated. Green is the rarest natural color.
Is zircon a real diamond?
A cubic zirconia is a real cubic zirconia, but it is not a real diamond. There are a few types of stones that are used as diamond simulants, but cubic zirconia is by far the most common and the most realistic.
Is zircon rarer than diamonds?
In fact, it is much rarer than diamonds but is considerably less valuable. Zircon comes closer to resembling diamonds than any other natural gem. Its superior luster and intense fire give it a real sparkle that is comparable to a diamond.
Is cubic zirconia a fake diamond?
Is a Cubic Zirconia Real? A cubic zirconia is a real cubic zirconia, but it is not a real diamond. There are a few types of stones that are used as diamond simulants, but cubic zirconia is by far the most common and the most realistic.
How much is a 1 carat cubic zirconia?
$20
Cubic zirconia is very inexpensive, since it’s synthetic and mass-produced. A cut and polished one carat cubic zirconia stone will cost $20 and a similar two carat stone will cost about $30. This is far cheaper than diamonds, which start at $1800 for one carat and increase considerably as size goes up.