Zircon: The Wonderful December Birthstone

The month of December is memorable for many reasons. From the season of celebration to the holidays for many, in the Western world, and a time for giving and family. And for those born in the month of December, there is a wonderful gemstone to mark this period. Well, more than one in fact. For in addition to the elusive zircon, there are two or three other interesting gemstones assigned to this period of the calendar year. From the tanzanite, turquoise and blue topaz. In addition to the zircon. Specifically, it is the blue zircon that is associated with the month of December. As blue tends to be a dominant hue for this month.

In this Education page, we look at the Zircon gemstone, with a special focus on the blue zircon variant that is assigned for the month of December. We will take a look at its key attributes and other special qualities. And what makes it a top choice for those born in the month of December?

What are Zircon Gemstones?

For many readers, the very term ‘zircon’ may seem like a mystery. Let alone its position as the December birthstone. So explaining the key features of zircon and what makes it valuable is a good place to start. Zircons, it may be interesting to note are among the oldest minerals on planet Earth. Certain zircon grains found in Australia have dated to over 4 billion years (the Earth by way is 4.5 billion years old).

Zircon gemstones, given their age, have been in use for thousands of years. From ancient Persia to Victorian England. Today zircon holds its position as a niche gemstone that is used as accent stones as diamond alternatives. Or as rare gems which are old as the Earth.

Zircon is a form of silicate mineral (ZrSiO4), in the zirconium family. And are quite rare. In fact zircons, despite being found across the world are rarer than diamonds in terms of the total quantity. However many of them are not up to gem-quality standards, with only certain regions in the world like Ceylon (Sri Lanka) trading in gem-quality zircon stones. Today countries such as Cambodia, Burma and parts of Malawi are also known to trade in the blue zircon variety. Zircons are sourced from granite rocks, and among igneous rock formations.

_{Green Zircon from Brilliyond's Inventory}

Key Features of Zircon Gems

When it comes to gemstones, besides the famous diamonds, the gemstone’s colour is an important feature. When it comes to colours, zircons come in a number of hues that fall in the yellow to the deep brown range. With some zircon stones featuring a hue that is closer to red. However rarer zircon hues such as green and blue have also been found. When it comes to their use as gemstones the colourless variety is often the most sought after, as they perform a solid role as diamond substitutes, owing to their high brilliance and fire-like diamonds. However, zircon is less durable, with a Mohs scale score in the (6 – 7.5) range.

Zircons are rather unique in the gemstone world in that they, owing to their ancient age, pack a number of minerals like uranium and thorium. Some of which, as the reader may notice are known for their radioactive character. These in fact affect the crystal structure of the stone, affecting its quality. When it comes to jewellery making, zircon stones that qualify as gem quality are those which feature less structural damage resulting from exposure to radiation in the early Earth. When it comes to wearing zircon jewellery, buyers need to pay attention to the different levels of durability between stones, with zircon, sapphire, and diamonds featuring a different number, and may affect their choice of multi-stone jewellery, and when it comes to care and maintenance.

Zircon Colour

As noted, when it comes to the month of December, gemstones that feature a blue hue tend to feature strongly. With zircons, the range of colours is varied, with the brighter red, orange and blue zircons being the most valued. However, getting hold of such gemstones might prove to be a challenge.

When it comes to blue zircons in particular given the specific demand for these stones, some in the gemstone industry have taken to heating methods to enhance their natural colours. This is not a new practice and is predominant in the world of sapphires and rubies. The process of heating help bring out the hues present in the stone and it does not involve any external infusions.

Why Opt for Zircon Gemstone Jewellery?

One of the advantages of going for zircon gemstones is that they are naturally high in clarity. Virtually all gemstone-quality zircons that enter the market come close to high levels of clarity which is a key feature in determining gemstone quality. Among its other strengths, we have high natural brilliance and fire that we mentioned that is akin to that of diamonds, but now in a coloured gemstone. Also, zircon gems are known for their high refraction index (1.180 – 2.024) which is known to enhance the light-reflecting capacity of the facets of a cut gemstone.

But the most important reason for opting for zircon jewellery is-unless you wish to own as a gemstone one of the oldest materials on Earth- that if your birthday falls on the month of December it is a natural choice. For when opting for a birthstone it is not just the visual character and durability of the stone; and other factors that determine gemstone quality. But it is also other symbolic factors.

_{Harts Range Zircon from Australia}

Meaning and Symbolism of Zircon: The December Birthstone

When speaking of birthstones arguably one of the most important factors is the meaning that people attach to them. Either by their own accord or that which is given to them by the wider culture. Blue zircons, the birthstone for the month of December is known for its soothing and calming effects. The wearer of this is believed to gain the relaxing effects of the blue gemstone and also, for those who believe in it, is the bestowing of wisdom. The blue zircon, true to its colour is associated with the blue chakras, and wearing a rich blue zircon is believed to enhance its effect on the wearer. Depending on the tradition the positives that are associated with blue zircon are numerous.