Zircon

Zircon Metaphysical Properties

Zircon is associated with all the chakras. It is used by crystal healers to alleviate physical and mental ailments. Beneficial properties include reducing fevers, soothing pains, relieving stomach cramps, asthma, lung problems and menstrual pains. Zircon is believed to stimulate the liver and is helpful for people detoxing from nicotine, alcohol and other substances. It is said to balance the adrenal glands when stressed or overtaxed at work. In the metaphysical world, it is valued as a cure for both nightmares and insomnia as it promotes restful sleep.

Mentally, zircon helps deal with loss and grief, as well as boosts passion for life and work. Zircon is used to aid in meditation and developing psychic intuition. It is said to clear negative energy and has a protective aura. Other properties attributed to zircon are that it can attract wisdom, success, honor and wealth. Zircon is also credited with helping one become more organized.

Specific colors of zircon are said to have unique properties:

• Blue zircon is said to help build relationships and self-confidence
• Colorless is good for mental purification and meditation
• Pink zircon attracts romance, new love and harmony

Zircon Geological Properties

Zircon is a transparent to semi-transparent silicate. Its crystal structure is tetragonal, a short, stocky four-sided prism with a pyramid end. It can contain uranium and have a slight fluorescence. The minimal radioactivity is said to pose no health hazards. Zircon is found as small crystals in metamorphic and igneous rocks, and as alluvial grains in sedimentary rocks.

Zircon comes in many colors and is a gem loved for its high refractive index, which gives it intense brilliance. Zircon has a rare optical quality called birefringence, or double refraction. When light passes through zircon, its rays split in two directions. This gives a high refractive index, a brilliant sheen and fire characterized by flashes of multi-colored light. Its luster is vitreous.

Zircon stones can have trace amounts of uranium and thorium. These elements cause a process which breaks down the internal crystal structures. Zircon is classified into high, medium or low categories depending on its optical properties. High zircons with prominent crystal structures and little or no damage from radiation are utilized in gemstone jewelry. Medium zircons have some radiation-induced damage. Low zircons have substantial crystal damage and in extreme cases are amorphous, meaning the crystal structure is practically gone. This produces a rare green "low" zircon that is sought after by collectors. Although the crystalline structure is gone, it still exhibits the fire.

Gray-brown and red zircons are the most common, although they can also be found in yellow, orange, violet, blue and green. The colors are a result of impurities during the formation of the stone. Most zircons are heat treated to stabilize and bring out the vibrant colors. To get the most popular colorless and blue color, naturally colored zircon is heated to temperatures of 1472-1852°F. Trade names include "Starlight" for blue zircons, "Hyacinth" for yellow and yellow-red varieties, and "Jargon" for the straw-colored stones. "Mataura diamond" is the name for the colorless heat-treated specimens used as brilliant diamond substitutes. Rose and rose-orange stones from Tanzania and the orange brown from Cambodia are not enhanced.

Zircon is found around the world on all continents. Most is mined in Australia and Asia. In the United States, zircon is mined in Georgia, Virginia, North Carolina and Florida.