Zircon: meaning, definitions and examples

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zircon

 

[ หˆzษœหrkษ™n ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

gemstone material

Zircon is a mineral belonging to the group of nesosilicates and is composed of zirconium silicate (ZrSiO4). It is often used as a gemstone due to its brilliance and fire, and comes in a variety of colors. Natural zircon crystals are usually found in metamorphic rocks and are sometimes used in jewelry. Furthermore, zircon is known for its role in dating geological formations and archaeological artifacts through the uranium-lead dating technique.

Synonyms

gemstone, precious stone, zirconium silicate.

Examples of usage

  • The engagement ring featured a stunning zircon.
  • Geologists utilize zircon crystals to determine the age of rocks.
  • The shop displayed various zircon gemstones in multiple colors.

Translations

Translations of the word "zircon" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น zircรฃo

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคœเคผเคฟเคฐเค•เฅ‹เคจ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Zirkon

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ zirkon

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ั†ะธั€ะบะพะฝ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ cyrkon

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใ‚ธใƒซใ‚ณใƒณ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท zircon

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ circonio

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท zirkon

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์ง€๋ฅด์ฝ˜

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุงู„ุฒุฑูƒูˆู†

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ zirkon

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ zirkรณn

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ้”†็Ÿณ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ zirkon

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ zirkรณn

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ั†ะธั€ะบะพะฝ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ–แƒ˜แƒ แƒ™แƒแƒœแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ zircon

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ circonio

Etymology

The word 'zircon' comes from the Arabic word 'zarqลซn', which means 'cinnabar' or 'vermillion'. It was then adapted into Old French as 'cercun', and later into Middle English as 'zircon'. The etymology reflects the mineral's historical association with cinnabar, a bright red mineral. Zircon has been prized since ancient times and has often been confused with other gemstones like topaz and garnet. It has been used in jewelry as early as the Middle Ages and has gained notoriety for its ability to mimic the appearance of diamonds due to its high refractive index. As far back as the 19th century, gemologists began to study zircon not just for its beauty but for its geological significance. Today, zircon is frequently sourced from locations like Australia, Sri Lanka, and Cambodia, offering a wide range of colors due to the varying trace elements present in its composition.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,162, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.