Features and rules for choosing jewelry with zirconium

Zircon stone is an extraordinary nugget, which is often confused with cubic zirconia and even diamond. It has a unique, bright glow that is sure to attract attention. But the popularity of the mineral is determined not only by its external beauty. The fact is that zirconium has enormous magical potential, therefore it has been used by esotericists around the world for several centuries. And its significant healing abilities were appreciated by people interested in alternative medicine.

Origin story

The zirconium gemstone is the only mineral currently known that can rival a diamond in its physical characteristics. The fact is that it has a similar level of gloss, a large selection of shades of transparent material. That is why zirconium has been revered since ancient times along with natural diamonds.

Zirconium is one of the most ancient minerals on the planet. According to conservative estimates by scientists, the age of the specimens found is at least four and a half billion years. Because of its rich palette of colors, zircon was undeservedly ignored by ancient people. In particular, in ancient Greece and Rome, zircon was confused with tourmaline, topaz and even citrine. The main reason for this is the similar golden, honey tones and bright shine of the transparent mineral. From the very beginning, black market scammers have been passing off zircon as a real diamond. Although it is easy to distinguish stones from each other, even with the naked eye. This scam takes place even in our time. In ancient times, when they tried to pass off precious stones as the hardest mineral on Earth, they said that this was a special kind of diamond brought from Ceylon.

In Europe, the mineral was recognized as a separate type of gemstone only in the mid-16th century. Until this time, jewelers called varieties of red, brown and reddish colors hyacinths, golden variations were called jargolits, and blue stones were called starlites. But such names were only confusing, since the physical and chemical characteristics were identical, only the appearance and color differed. It was decided to name the group of stones as one.

Magic properties

Esotericists highlight the main feature of zircon - a tendency towards justice, exposure, and revealing deception. The stone will faithfully serve an honest owner, giving the owner a special sense of hypocrisy and lies. But a stone will help a person with unclean intentions end up in prison.

Zircon is always where there is money, risks, and innovative ideas. This is a talisman of people who open new horizons - travelers, inventors, businessmen. Such qualities are closer to men. But for women there is also a useful property - for those who wear earrings with zircons and are engaged in scientific activities, the talisman promises increased logical thinking. Such decoration will also bring benefits to little schoolgirls - it will awaken the desire to study, perseverance, strengthen memory, and increase concentration.

The ancient Hindus used zircon as a talisman for young girls against temptation and vice. Hyacinths and jargons protected the European mercenaries of the Renaissance in battle. Such talismans helped brave men, but not cowards. Modern magicians, following the example of their ancestors, use zircon figurines of the double pyramid to enhance magical abilities - telepathy, the gift of foresight.

Physical properties

The physical and chemical properties of zirconium stone and its description began to be studied only in the middle of the 15th century. Then scientists determined that this stone is not a variety of other groups, but an independent element.

Zircon belongs to the subgroup of silicates. The crystal lattice often contains graphite, less often titanium, calcium and zinc. The color palette of the stone depends on the amount of metal impurities. There are specimens with thorium and uranium. A distinctive structural feature is the special structure of the crystal lattice in the shape of a pyramid. The diamond-type reflection in such options is presented to the maximum.

The crystal has high dispersion rates. When a ray of sunlight hits it, it undergoes double refraction. This property determines the characteristic radiance, flicker and glow of the mineral. The nugget is significantly affected by temperature. When fired, different colors appear, which jewelers use to create beautiful variations of the stone. However, if you apply only high temperature and do not fix the result in any way, then the zircon will quickly fade, and after a certain time period it will begin to darken and return to its normal color.

The Mohs scale is 7. While the diamond, with which the mineral in question is often compared, has a 10. The hardness characteristics of zircon are significantly lower than diamonds. Therefore, you can distinguish stones if you look closely at the cut.

Important! Zirconia will have slightly rounded lines as the stone is fragile. The edges of the diamond are sharp, not sharpened.

Medicinal properties

Lithotherapists note a number of beneficial properties of the mineral, each of which is characteristic of a certain type of stone:

• Hyacinth is responsible for the cardiovascular and circulatory system. This nugget is considered the most powerful healer that can influence the course of a disease such as coronary heart disease. The gem, brought to the face, helps stop nosebleeds. The mineral promotes rapid regeneration of the body after operations, wounds, and fractures.
• Jargons have a beneficial effect on the liver, helping this organ carry out its main function - removing poisons and toxins. A ring with a golden stone insert will help cope with various types of poisoning, including alcoholic ones.
• Malakon is a stone of the respiratory system. It is used in the treatment of colds, sinusitis, rhinitis, sinusitis, and pneumonia.
• Matar colorless diamond together with starlite reduce appetite, keep muscles toned, speed up metabolism and eliminate the problem of constipation, thereby promoting weight loss.

Any of the zircons have a calming effect on the nervous system, help to achieve a restful sleep without nightmares, and cure severe mental disorders. This range of beneficial properties, according to lithotherapists, is determined by the peculiarity of the structure of the crystals, which have the shape of a double pyramid.

Main types, colors

Zirconium stone in jewelry is sometimes confused with a real diamond. It gives an indescribable glow and does not have a golden hue. Such specimens are the most valuable, but are rare. Minerals are divided into the following types:

1. Jargon. It was initially mined only in Siam, but deposits have been discovered in other places on the planet. It is distinguished by a golden, honey hue, the color palette starts from straw and ends with almost brown.
2. Matar Diamond. A type of gemstone characterized by transparent luster and the greatest luminosity. The refractive index of the sun's ray is maximum - it reaches the level of a diamond. Such variants are mined only in the south of Sri Lanka.
3. Hyacinth. A stone that is suitable for creating romantic jewelry. Its reddish and pink, rich cherry, purple or raspberry tones will captivate at first sight.
4. Starlit. The raw version is unremarkable. But as a result of firing, an interesting blue and blue tint appears. Starlite is suitable for creating discreet and sophisticated jewelry.
5. Malacon. A rare specimen brought from parts of India. The composition contains radioactive elements and coating, which give an unearthly dark brown shade with streaks of burgundy or cherry.

Each zirconium is individual. Looking carefully at minerals that are initially similar in appearance, you begin to notice that they differ. Despite the popularity of this stone, it is not possible to find identical specimens in terms of saturation, level of transparency and color.

Physico-chemical properties of stone

Difference between zirconium, zircon and cubic zirconia

Zircon is a natural mineral with high dispersion rates. It is quite fragile, which poses a problem for use in the jewelry industry. Cubic zirconia is a synthetic, artificial analogue of diamond. It was grown in laboratory conditions in 1968 in Russia. Cubic zirconia is widely used in the jewelry industry, as it is much cheaper than diamonds, but is similar in appearance. A few years later, American scientists adopted the development of Russian scientists. They created an improved version of cubic zirconia and called it cubic zirconia. For some reason, scientists and jewelry industry experts got confused. Zirconium began to be called not only synthetic stones, which they essentially are, but also natural ones. The natural mineral is now called both zirconium and zircon. It is better to clarify the origin of the presented insert in the jewelry directly from the manufacturer or an employee of the jewelry house.

Mineral in jewelry

Despite its incredible beauty and thousand-year history, zircon often acts as a backup for the most expensive stones. And although not everyone sees this mineral as an independent gem, large jewelry companies do not neglect to use this nugget to make jewelry under their own name.

Types of decorations

Zircon shines in a wide variety of jewelry:

• rings;
• earrings;
• brooches;
• bracelets;
• pendants;
• necklace.

Colorless stones are more often used in the manufacture of wedding accessories - necklaces, tiaras, earrings, combs.

Color spectrum

The color palette of zircon is quite wide. Some of the species are known by their own name:

• Jargon is a golden yellow gem.

• Hyacinth is a stone of red, red-brown, and pink shades.

• Matar diamond is a colorless mineral.

• Starlite is a blue nugget obtained by refining (calcining) zircons of other shades.

• Malakon is a dark brown, almost black stone.

Gray and green nuggets are also found. All zircons contain radioactive elements in small doses. However, only green stones are not used for jewelry, as they contain an increased dose of uranium, which can be harmful to health.

Each gem transmits light differently. There are crystal clear specimens, translucent specimens, and also completely opaque specimens.

For men

Finding jewelry with natural zircon is not easy, and even more difficult for men. Large jewelry companies, as well as individual craftsmen, are engaged in the production of such products. Average price of jewelry:

• Ring made of jewelry alloy with gold plated and black zircons – 5,800 rubles.

  
  Signet with black Zircon

• Silver bracelet with a total weight of 45 grams, inlaid with black stones (44 pcs.) – 29,800 rubles.

  
  Bracelet

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• Rosary beads made of natural minerals (agate, chrysoprase, amazonite, beryl, sunstone) with a bead made of rhodium-plated fittings studded with red zircons – 2,500 rubles.

Cufflinks are also made for men. Masters work not only in the classical style, but also come up with complex original designs. Accessories in the form of skulls, bulldog heads, royal shields, pomegranates (fruit), inlaid with natural stones, look unusual and stylish.

For women

Prices for women's jewelry:

• A bracelet made of red gemstones with elements measuring 2.4*0.9 mm with a silver clasp – 2,500 rubles.

  
  Natural Zircon bracelet

• Women's watch made of 925 sterling silver, inlaid with two transparent Matar diamond inserts - 11,200 rubles.
• Silver ring with Matar diamond inserts – 10,000 rubles.

  
  Ring

• Silver stud earrings with diamond-cut stones with a total weight of 0.81 carats – 3,200 rubles.

  
  Earrings

The production of products with natural zircon is not widespread. Such accessories are rare and are mainly made to order.

Popular types of cuts

Transparent, unpainted zircons are diamond-cut. For colored samples, a fancy cut is used, combining diamond (for the upper part of the insert) and step (for the lower) varieties.

Fancy cut shape

Common shapes of stones are oval, circle, radiant, cushion, pear, emerald. Translucent and opaque zircons are processed into an oval or round cabochon.

Stone setting

The setting for the mineral is precious metals - 925 sterling silver, multi-colored gold (but more often yellow) 585 sterling. Also, some varieties of zircon are inserted into jewelry alloys intended for the manufacture of luxury jewelry.

Compatibility with other stones

Combining zircon with other minerals is not easy, since the gem is selective and does not tolerate the proximity of more brilliant stones:

• ruby;
• diamond;
• grenade;
• Morion.

Zircon is not compatible elementally and planetarily with the last two nuggets.

Since a relative of the diamond belongs to two elements at the same time (Water, Earth), the best friends of the capricious gem will be water and earth minerals:

• opal;
• emerald;
• turquoise;
• melanitis;
• Labrador;
• aventurine;
• serpentine;
• chalcedony;
• jasper;
• heliotrope.

Incomprehensible relationships develop with air stones - amethyst, chrysoprase, rock crystal, amazonite, lapis lazuli, rauchtopaz. The behavior of each mineral in such a neighborhood can be the most unexpected, so such a combination is everyone’s personal choice.

How to wear

The selection of jewelry depends on the color of the stone. Golden, yellow-brown zircons appeal to red-haired beauties. Starlits look great on blondes. Brunettes and brown-haired women can safely choose bright multi-colored options. The colorless stone has no restrictions, as it is suitable for everyone, regardless of appearance or age.

Rainbow Zircon Jewelry

It is recommended to combine calm, pastel stone tones with everyday clothing. Bright varieties of large sizes in expensive frames are evening accessories that complement an elegant outfit.

Care instructions

Zircon belongs to the category of hard, but brittle minerals. Therefore, the products require careful wearing and care. Any mechanical impact will lead to the formation of a chip or crack. The sun is destructive for starlites - blue stones lose color from prolonged exposure to direct rays. It is also undesirable to keep other types of mineral in the sun.

Clean the stones with a soap solution. Persistent stains can be removed with “mild” household chemicals. The best option is tooth powder and a brush with stiff bristles.

How to spot a fake

The most common imitation of zircon is cubic zirconia. It is a synthetic stone that skillfully replaces most precious minerals, including diamonds. Due to the similarity of names (cubic zirconia - zirconium dioxide), it is easier to sell a fake to an inattentive buyer. You can independently recognize natural zircon by examining the stone under a magnifying glass in bright light. The dipyrammidal structure of the natural zircon crystal creates a split brilliance on the facets of the gem.

Zircon itself also often acts as an imitation of diamond. The same double refraction of light gives an imitation. A diamond does not have such a split. Thus, zircon “hangs” in the middle between diamond and cubic zirconia - in cost it is cheaper than the first, but more expensive than the second. Therefore, it is very difficult to find jewelry with a natural gem.

What stones does it go with?

If the stones are not combined correctly, they can absorb each other's energy or resonate. Esotericists say that such an effect has a detrimental effect on a person. Natural zircon is best combined with sapphire, carnelian, agate, beryl, coral, amethyst, turquoise and emerald. Sometimes you can wear it with topaz if the situation requires it. A combination with jasper, opal, aquamarine, quartz, garnet, moonstone and chrysolite is undesirable.

Reference. It is better not to take risks and not allow zirconium to be combined with obsidian, malachite, sardonyx and onyx in one image, much less in one piece of jewelry.

Who is zircon suitable for?

Zirconium is the stone of successful and assertive people. Since ancient times, it was considered an amulet of businessmen and politicians. If you strive to gain weight in society, then choose jewelry with it. The amulet is also suitable for those who travel a lot. It protects you on the road and helps you establish friendly connections. Please note that zircon:

• yellow shade - suitable for those who want to attract passionate love, sensuality and pleasure into their lives;
• completely transparent - indispensable for people who cannot make decisions;
• orange tone - will give optimism and self-confidence;
• blue tint - will help normalize relationships in the family and with children;
• green color - will have a positive effect on the ability to manage finances.

A universal stone is selected according to the horoscope, taking into account the zodiac sign. Suitable for almost everyone, but will bring the greatest benefit to Libra and Gemini. Leos and Aries are not recommended to wear it, as it enhances the meaning of emotions, as a result of which representatives of the fire element become impatient, aggressive and quarrelsome.

Color range of stones

The most common natural color of the mineral is brown. The stone acquires various shades through special processing. To give zircon a sky-blue hue, it is calcined. More rare specimens are blue zircons; they are also popular among jewelry makers. But the most popular is a transparent, colorless stone, because only from such zircon can artificial diamonds be created.

In addition to the above, there are stones of pink, yellow, golden, red, and green colors.

It is not recommended to wear green zircon. A stone with this shade contains an admixture of radioactive uranium, which is unsafe for health.

Based on the color palette, zircon is divided into the following groups:

• hyacinth - stones of all shades of red;
• jargon - yellow, golden stones;
• matur - diamond - transparent stones that have no color;
• Starlight is a soft blue stone, especially loved by jewelry makers.

How to wear and care

According to the Mohs scale, the mineral is quite brittle. In order for you to enjoy your jewelry for many years, you need to provide appropriate and regular care. Note that:

1. It should be stored away from other stones to prevent accidental scratching.
2. It is worth choosing jewelry in a durable frame made of silver or gold, as the inclusion may fall out;
3. The insert cannot be cleaned with chemicals or abrasives - the zirconium will instantly be scratched and lose its appearance.
4. You should regularly wipe the mineral with a soft flannel cloth.

Zirconium in a ring or necklace is not only a stylish, unusual stone in jewelry that will suit anyone, regardless of the color type of appearance, physical characteristics, age and how the image looks. The nugget has a lot of magical and medicinal properties. Knowing the designation and correctly using the stone in jewelry, you can achieve positive improvements in life.

Beneficial effects on the owner's health

The healing properties of the mineral depend on its color.

Zircon of yellow, orange, golden shades brings relief from diseases of the stomach and liver, helps reduce blood pressure.

Blue - cures diseases of the thyroid and pancreas, promotes weight loss, and also facilitates the course of tumor processes in the brain.

The dark brown, almost black mineral increases the body's resistance to viral infections.

Magic

Zircon has long been considered endowed with the ability to bring success and wealth to its owner. In ancient times, it was the property of sages; it brought them the gift of insight, knowledge of the future, insight into the thoughts and inner world of a person. Set into jewelry pendants and worn as an amulet, zircon serves as protection against unkind people and liars, and promotes the development of memory and observation. It is believed that this is an amulet of judges and criminologists.

There is a belief that in case of difficulties in life, this stone, placed under the pillow before going to bed, will help you come to the right decision in the morning. Zircon of bright colors restores joy, inspires optimism and self-confidence.

Wearing the mineral by self-confident adventurers and scammers can lead to undesirable results. Excessive self-confidence, inspired by the mysterious magic of zircon, deprives people of dangerous professions of caution and leads them to a tragic ending.