Zircon

About Zircon

The oldest mineral on Earth - a zircon crystal from Australia has been dated at 4.4 billion years old, nearly as old as the planet itself. Not to be confused with cubic zirconia (a synthetic material). Blue zircon from Cambodia is the most valued. Heat treatment produces the popular blue and colorless varieties. It has high dispersion (fire) nearly equal to diamond. Ancient Hindus believed it was part of the Kalpa Tree, a spiritual offering to the gods. It occurs in a wide range of colors. Thailand and Cambodia are major sources. Its double refraction creates a distinctive doubling of facet edges. It is mentioned in the Bible under the name jacinth.