Quick Myths: Zircon!

Zircon is the birthstone for September.  No one knows for sure where the zircon got its name, but possibly it could come form the Arabic "zarkun" which means red colored, or from the Arabic word "zargun" which means gold colored.  Many people get zircon confused with cubic zirconia but they are completely different stones.  Zircon is a mined stone, whereas cubic zirconia is a man-made zircon.  Zircon has a high refractive index.  Most of the time, zircon is heat-treated, which produces many colors.  Zircons are most often seen with a blue color and while there are real blue zircons, there are not enough for the commercial market and that is why they are heat-treated.

Heat
Treated

Zircon can be used as a talisman to guard travelers from either wild animals or a snake's bite.  It can also stop bleeding if one wears it as an amulet.  Zircon helps women to give birth easily.  It can improve memory and mental abilities.  Zircon in the Middle Ages was also thought to drive away plaques and evil spirits.  They were thought to bring wisdom and honor.


Zircon is considered  a gemstone of exquisite beauty.  Its high refractive index makes it sparkle.  It was used as the "poor man's" diamond in the 18th and 19th century. Zircon comes in all colors and their sparkle make them highly desirable.  Most Zircon comes from India, Sri. Lanka, and Vietnam.  

Anyone owning a true zircon is lucky indeed.