Zircon: meaning, definitions and examples
๐
zircon
[ หzษหrkษn ]
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:
๐ต๐น zircรฃo
๐ฎ๐ณ เคเคผเคฟเคฐเคเฅเคจ
๐ฉ๐ช Zirkon
๐ฎ๐ฉ zirkon
๐บ๐ฆ ัะธัะบะพะฝ
๐ต๐ฑ cyrkon
๐ฏ๐ต ใธใซใณใณ
๐ซ๐ท zircon
๐ช๐ธ circonio
๐น๐ท zirkon
๐ฐ๐ท ์ง๋ฅด์ฝ
๐ธ๐ฆ ุงูุฒุฑููู
๐จ๐ฟ zirkon
๐ธ๐ฐ zirkรณn
๐จ๐ณ ้็ณ
๐ธ๐ฎ zirkon
๐ฎ๐ธ zirkรณn
๐ฐ๐ฟ ัะธัะบะพะฝ
๐ฌ๐ช แแแ แแแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ zircon
๐ฒ๐ฝ 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.