Different Types of Blue Zircon Gemstone

Blue zircon is believed to be the oldest mineral on Earth. The spectacular sparkle of this gemstone makes it the most glorified stone by gem collectors, gemmologists and traders. Yet, blue zircons are less famous outside the gem world.

What Is Natural Gemstone?

In Persian, ‘Zircon’ or ‘Zargun’ means ‘golden-colored,’. In Arabic, zarkun means red or cinnabar, or vermillion. Despite these names, zircons occur in a variety of hues, with the Cambodian blue zircon being the most coveted.

Blue zircon is erroneously assumed to be related to cubic zirconia, a synthetic diamond simulant. This naturally occurring gemstone with a mineral name zirconium silicate can possess a range of colors like blue, red, yellow, orange, green, brown, and colorless. These are pleochroic gemstones, reflecting different colors from different angles. Apart from jewelry, zircon is used in sandblasting and refractory paints.

Zircons have traces of uranium and thorium, making them radioactive. However, these radiations are treated before use. The most popular shades of zircon are sea green and cerulean blue. Zircon’s anomalous light dispersion and hardness make it more desirable than sapphire. When it comes to all the blue gemstones, blue zircon is the most preferred color in jewelry making. If you love blue zircons and their inimitable sparkle, then keep on reading to learn more about the different types of blue zircon gemstones.

History

Zircon is credited to be the oldest mineral on Earth, tracing its existence to more than 4.4 billion years. Since it has survived ages of geological progressions, it has recorded changes like a time capsule.
During the Victorian era, blue zircon was raised to glory and has frequently graced English estate jewelry since the 1800s. Blue zircon was famous in mourning jewelry because of its hazy or smoky appearance.
According to Jewish beliefs and legends, zircon was the name of an angel assigned to watch over Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden.
Pliny the Elder, a Roman Historian, compared zircon’s icy color to the hyacinth flower.
This gem was a subject of immense adoration in the 16th century when the Italian artisans accented it in jewelry designs. After that, it was considered to be the precious gemstone of the Victorians, gaining further popularity.
Blue zircon is one of the stones native to people born in December. It stands out not only for its color but also for its hardness, which measures 7 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale.
George Kunz, a famed gemologist and an advocate of zircon named it ‘Starlite,’ promoting the fiery appearance of the gemstone. However, this name was rarely used.
In the Middle Ages, many superstitious beliefs revolved around this gemstone. Most people believed that the gemstone helped in warding off evil spirits.
Zircon is mentioned in several sacred and historical books, further rendering it immortal.

Blue Zircon Mining

Cambodia is the hub for mining blue zircon gemstones. Pacific blue and gorgeously beautiful Ratanakiri Province, northeast of Cambodia, is also credited for mining the world’s most precious blue zircon. Furthermore, Bo Kheo mines in Cambodia are also renowned for blue zircon stones. Blue zircon mines in Ratanakiri coexist with the rubber plantations. In addition, some zircons are found in ruby mines along the Cambodia-Thai border. The newest source of blue zircon in Malawi can be transformed into beautifully polished stones and is a new inclusion in the gem trade. It is also found in Burma, Sri Lanka, Brazil, Australia, and East Africa.

Blue Zircon Inclusions

Blue zircon is the most expensive among other color varieties—zircon’s blue hue results from intense heat treatment. The cost of blue zircon depends on the color, shape, size, and clarity. The most expensive blue zircon has a rich and intense color, whereas lighter gems are considerably cheaper.

The Victorian Darling

Queen Victoria liked blue zircon embossed in her jewelry because of its eye-glazing appearance. Therefore, the royal jewelry segments included blue zircons. For centuries, blue zircon has acted as a substitute for diamonds. Blue zircons grew popular in the 17th century and later when Queen Victoria featured them in her signature jewelry pieces.

Rarity

Blue zircons are uncommon; however, their popularity is extensive, especially in the United States. The blue color of zircon is scarce, even rarer than diamonds. Brown zircons are heated to get a gorgeous blue finishing. Blue is the most valuable in the gem segment and the most sought-after.

Blue Zircon Cuts

Blue zircon is often given a ‘zircon’ cut. This cut resembles the brilliant round cut with extra facets at the culet. The most popular in the lot are chiseled into ‘oval step cuts’ or ‘round diamond cuts.’ Other customizable amounts include square, rectangular, octagonal, marquises, and trillion cut, which must be professionally done to avoid weight loss and irreparable abrasions. The aforementioned cuts are considered to be the most valuable and trendy. Zircons with irregular or distorted cuts are considered to be the least useful.

Astrological Benefits

Blue zircon is an essential gemstone in the astrological world, thus being one of the top favorites of astrologers. Here are some nuggets of knowledge and blue zircon benefits from the astrological realm.

Blue zircons are famed for bringing lifelong prosperity and monetary benefits to the wearer. It strengthens the planet Venus in the horoscope, thus ensuring wealth flows into the owner’s life. It is also known to promote a blissful married life. The gemstone provides attributes like love, care, and understanding and is known to revive a dull marriage.
A Blue Zircon is a fortune giver and is considered one of the helpful gemstones for people facing bankruptcy or financial loss. Wearing it paves the way for new opportunities in financial life. In addition, it replenishes the social status of the wearer.
People involved in the creative profession are recommended to wear a Zircon to nourish the creative side of the brain, thus polishing their communication skills and creative abilities. In addition, it opens doors to prosperity.
These gemstones balance the wearer’s hormones and prevent diseases.
This gemstone creates an aura around itself that cancels out the negative energies and attracts positive vibrations.

How to Choose a Blue Zircon Gemstone

Blue zircon undoubtedly is the dandiest, followed by honey, red and pure white. Saturated blue which is clear, clean, and large is ideal when picking a blue zircon gemstone. Green occurs due to natural radioactivity. Zirconia is often confused with inexpensive cubic zirconia, which can be confusing. Hence, proper professional help should be taken to identify the natural stones. A loose stone is a bit cheaper than a pre-set stone.

Blue zircon rings signify love and loyalty, which make it a remarkably romantic gift. In addition, the wearer of zircon embodies compassion and understanding, a perfect anniversary gift for one’s spouse.

Blue Zircon Care

If you are wondering how to take care of blue zircon bracelets or rings, then the points mentioned below will help and guide you.

Heat can alter the shade of zircon. Therefore, to maintain the gemstone, it should be cleaned regularly as prescribed by professionals to prevent everyday build-up.
Blue zircon bracelets or other jewelry shouldn’t be exposed to extreme conditions like chemicals or heat.
Facet edges tend to wear off. To avoid this wear and tear, protective settings should be used.

To know how to clean blue zircon bracelets, read the following points:

Blue zircon bracelets can be cleaned in warm, soapy water while avoiding exposure to chemicals and heat.
Prolonged exposure to heat, bright light, or such altering substances should be avoided.
Exposure to such a harsh environment may alter its color, making it unattractive or flawed.
After submerging the bracelet in warm soapy water for 15-20 minutes, run the bracelet under room temperature water, and dry it with a microfiber cloth.

Conclusion

The beauty of the blue zircon gemstone is that it comes in varying shades of blue, all of which are unique and staggeringly gorgeous. From pale blue and strong blue to a greenish-blue hue, there is a blue zircon gemstone out there that can surely appeal to one and all. If you seek greater marital bliss, more creativity, and balance, then a blue zircon ring or pendant will be the perfect piece of jewelry for you.