Zircon
is a mineral possessing a very hard, brilliant luster, and is therefore
eminently qualified to be used as a gem. The mineral occurs in various
colors. Tints of brown, violet, and green are known as Zircon, the red as Hyacinth, the yellow Jacinth, and the grayish white and white, Jargoon. The
latter name is said to have been given the white substance because
through its great luster it resembled the diamond, but is really of
much less value.
Transparent
crystals of zircon suitable for gems come almost wholly from the Island
of Ceylon, where they occur in the gem gravels which also contain
rubies, sapphires, tourmalines, etc. The zircons occur in the form of
rolled pebbles mostly of comparatively small size.
Zircon
is also found in many other localities. It is said as many as one
hundred and twenty different places are known where the mineral can be
found, but in all of these the supply is very limited.
The Zircon has no history, but its great brilliancy and tine colors render it a most attractive if but little known gem.
