Introduction

Of all the popular blue gemstones, none can match the fire and brilliance of blue zircon.  Zircon has the unique distinction of being the oldest mineral on earth at 4.4 billion years.  Its icy blue hues and festive sparkle also refract light, creating the much coveted rainbow effect. The gem is also pleochroic, meaning it can appear to be different colours when viewed from various angles.  Often you will see shades of sea green in an otherwise cerulean blue zircon.

In the middle ages, zircon was believed to have the power to do everything from banishing evil to inducing restful sleep.  It was also believed to bring prosperity and honour to whomever possessed it.  Blue zircon was popular in the Victorian Era, and colourless zircon was used in the early 1900’s as a diamond substitute.  Celebrated gemologist George Kunz was a big fan of zircon and tried to market it under the name ‘starlite’ to express its fiery qualities.  However the nickname never caught on, and zircon stayed out of the mainstream jewellery market for some decades. It stands between 6 to 7.5 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness.