Back to gem encyclopedia

Zircon

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

Responsive image
Cushion Cut

This 21.05-ct. cushion cut, orange zircon is from Tanzania.

Responsive image
Fall Color

This gem displays a warm autumnal reddish brown.

Responsive image
Seeing Double

Zircon’s strong double refraction causes double images of facets.

Responsive image
Responsive image
Cinnamon Brown

Like this rare untreated 48.50-ct. crystal, zircon is often brownish.

Responsive image
Pointed Cap

Zircon crystals are often four sided and capped with pyramid shapes.

Responsive image
Ubiquitous Gem

Zircon crystals grow in many different types of rock.

Responsive image
Tools

Photos & Videos

Media Type

Photos (28) Video (1)

Topics

Color (4) Optical Properties (4)
XClear Selections
Video Thumbnails

Blue Zircon
Natural Zircon Colors
441.48-carat Zircon
Zircon
Zircon
Triangular Green Zircon
Orange Zircon
13.70-ct. Oval Zircon
Five zircon samples studied for radioactive degradation of crystal structure.
Zircon
Load More
All photos remain under the ©Gemological Institute of America copyright and may only be used with permission. More Copyright Information
This Month's

Featured Gems

reading
Peridot

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

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

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

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

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

View the Gem Encyclopedia