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Zircon

Zircon is a colorful gem with high refraction and fire that’s unfairly confused with cubic zirconia.

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Long-wave UV exposure changes zircon’s color from medium light greenish blue (left) to very dark yellowish green (right).

A Zircon with Strong Photochromic Effect

Shu-Hong Lin, Yu-Shan Chou, and Kai-Yun Huang, August 23, 2022

Photochromic zircon shows significant color change from medium light greenish blue to very dark yellowish green.

A miner in northern Tanzania examines rhodolite.

Gemstone Guidebook Project

Jennifer-Lynn Archuleta, August 9, 2018

A project coordinated by GIA and the NGO Pact provides a valuable educational tool to women miners in Tanzania.

A 24.96 ct sphene from Zimbabwe (left) and sillimanites from Sri Lanka and Myanmar (right)

Vibrantly Colored Gems

Jennifer Stone-Sundberg and Kevin Schumacher, May 11, 2018

Bill Larson of Pala International reports a very strong AGTA Tucson show.

The Geometeer, a synthetic ruby with a hybrid cut by Rex Guo.

Rex Guo: The Science and Art of Recutting Fine Gemstones

Aaron C. Palke and Wim Vertriest, May 11, 2018

Rex Guo describes how he sources and systematically recuts faceted stones to unlock their inner beauty.

Reversible Color Modification of Blue Zircon by Long-Wave Ultraviolet Radiation

Nathan D. Renfro, November 7, 2016

Determines whether blue zircon, inadvertently altered to brown by exposure to long-wave UV radiation, can be restored to its original color through the use of incandescent light.

Pin/pendant with sunstone, pearl, diamond, chalcedony, and zircon.

The Fluid Art of Angela Conty

Carl Chilstrom and Sharon Bohannon, August 3, 2016

Angela Conty exhibits and discusses her work at the 2016 Tucson gem shows.

Article

Tips on Caring for Jewelry

December 10, 2015

Follow these tips to keep your jewelry treasures safe and looking their best.

Five zircon samples studied for radioactive degradation of crystal structure.

Chemical Analysis of Zircon

Akhil Sehgal, July 31, 2015

Trace-element analysis is used to identify metamictization, treatment, and growth conditions of zircon.

The superior size and color of the 325.13 ct. tsavorite garnet from Merelani was discovered at the Tucson Gem & Mineral show in 2007. Courtesy of Michael Couch & Associates, West Des Moines, Iowa; photo by Robert Weldon © GIA

Article

The Glory of Green Gems

Sharon Bohannon and Peggy Tsiamis, June 12, 2015

Green gemstones, which can uplift and heal our spirits, have been popular gem choices ever since we began to adorn ourselves with jewelry.

Short-wave UV exposure’s effect on zircon color

Tenebrescent Zircon

Ratima Suthiyuth, July 25, 2014

Color modification is observed in a reddish orange zircon at the Bangkok laboratory.

This Month's

Featured Gems

Peridot

Found in lava, meteorites, and deep in the earth’s mantle, yellow-green peridot is the extreme gem.

Fancy Color Diamond

Dazzling brilliance. Captivating color. These are the planet’s most valued gems.

Diamond

Diamonds are among nature’s most precious and beautiful creations.

Emerald

Emerald is the bluish green to green variety of beryl, a mineral species that includes aquamarine.

Citrine

Citrine is the transparent, pale yellow to brownish orange variety of quartz.

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Zircon

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Peridot

Fancy Color Diamond

Diamond

Emerald

Citrine

Zircon

Research

Reviewed

Topics

Topics

Gemstones

Gemstones

Featured Gems

Peridot

Fancy Color Diamond

Diamond

Emerald

Citrine

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