Fascinating with its beauty and attracting zirconium (jargon, cubic zirconia, hyacinth, ligur) refers to semiprecious stones, translated from Persian “zirconium” means “similar to gold”. The mineral really has extraordinary properties and is appreciated among jewelers, however, not all zircons belong to semiprecious stones, but only painted and transparent specimens.
The mention of zirconium is found in biblical writings, and now it is abundantly present in some meteorites, S-type stars, and even in the sun. A rather high content of zirconium oxide was revealed on the lunar surface ; it is part of the lunar soil, which is completely not characteristic of terrestrial rocks. Zirconium stone properties are unique, because it has a huge range of colors and characteristics, because of this it is often confused with some other precious stones. Colorless zircon in purity and nobleness of brilliance may well compete with diamond and, as a rule, is usually subject to diamond cutting. True, unlike diamond, colorless zircon is extremely rare in nature. Bluish and grass-green zircons have a bright intense color, which distinguishes them from other minerals. Dark red zirconium varieties are sophisticated and beautiful, and golden yellow saturated color is not found in any other minerals.
For the purity of color and the nobleness of brilliance in the east, zirconium is called the "little brother of diamond" and is credited with possessing magical and healing power. The mystical zirconium stone conquered people with its truth and life-giving essence. Its properties are very diverse and specific, it develops the mental abilities of its owner and awakens in him a craving for knowledge and the search for truth, improves thinking and restores memory. It is believed that the stone gives power over people and charges with the ability to preach and lead, it can warn its owner about fraud and forgery, although, being in the hands of a fraudster, the stone helps him. In ancient India, zircon was considered the stone of the dragon, controlling the lunar and solar eclipses, so from ancient times it has been endowed with strength and power. Zirconium stone was the strongest amulet from evil forces, nightmares and restless sleep.
In ancient times, an abundance of the mineral was found on the island of Ceylon, but, as a rule, travelers did not understand what mineral they were dealing with. The situation changed dramatically when merchants began to offer bluish-green zircons, their rich color attracted buyers and zirconium stone became especially popular among precious minerals. The properties of this unique natural material make it possible to turn yellow and brown minerals into colorless zircon, which is often used in jewelry, by heat treatment. In the same way, blue and yellow-golden versions are obtained, gold with zirconium makes an ideal harmonious combination. When buying a product with such a stone, do not forget that over time it may discolor and lose its luster.
However, the famous zirconium stone conquered people with more than one magic of splendor. Its properties are applicable not only in jewelry, but also in industrial production. Zirconium steel is successfully used for the manufacture of internal combustion engines, as well as in the aviation industry and rocket science, it is characterized by the highest strength and stability in an aggressive environment. The unique properties of zirconium include a wide range of light refraction of the stone, as well as a change in density values. Zirconium is not a rare mineral, but finding an option suitable for jewelry is quite difficult, so the owners of this beautiful stone are proud of it for a reason.