ZIRCON (miniature)

Zircon is a mineral classified within the nesosilicate group and serves as a primary source of zirconium metal. Its chemical designation is zirconium(IV) silicate, represented by the formula ZrSiO4. An empirical formula that illustrates the substitution range in zircon is (Zr1–y, REEy)(SiO4)1–x(OH)4x–y. This mineral forms from silicate melts and typically contains significant amounts of high field strength incompatible elements, with hafnium commonly found in concentrations between 1% and 4%. Zircon crystallizes in a tetragonal structure and exhibits a natural color spectrum that includes colorless, yellow-golden, red, brown, blue, and green.

The term "zircon" is derived from the Persian word zargun, which translates to "gold-hued." This evolved into "jargoon," a name used for lighter-colored zircons. The English term "zircon" comes from the German Zirkon, reflecting this linguistic transition. Additionally, yellow, orange, and red varieties of zircon are referred to as "hyacinth," named after the hyacinthus flower, which has its roots in Ancient Greek.