The Misrepresented Zircon
Zircons, chemically known as ZrSiO4, is the oldest mineral of the earth originating from all three different rock types: igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary. Zircons also have an immense variety of facts such as: being in the tetragonal crystal system, being doubly refractive and having a high birefringence. Despite these facts, the most important piece of history concerning the Zircon was its use as an imitation of diamond in the 1900s. Some people’s brilliant cut diamonds in rings during those periods were, in fact, a colourless zircon, which has a profound sparkle similar to the diamond(caused by the high refractive index). It is unfortunate in the current day and age where the previous notoriety of the stone has overshadowed the beauty, colour range and value which the stone has. Therefore, aiming to build the reputation of Zircons in a new light, this publication presents the Zeal of Zircons.
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