Zircon

Zircon is a mineral belonging to the group of nesosilicates and is a source of the metal zirconium.  Zircon and cubic zirconia, although often confused with each other, are actually two extremely different gemstones. Chemically, optically and structurally, Zircon and cubic zirconia (CZ) don’t share any resemblance.

The oldest Zircon crystals discovered, comes from Australia and is estimated to be over 4.4 billion years old, virtually as old as the Earth itself.  It doesn’t get any more historical than that! 

In comparison to the diamond, it may have a similar look, but it is a much softer stone at 6 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale so while suitable for jewelry should be treated with care. Zircon is found in a range of colors, with the most popular being blue, pink and yellow. Green Zircon is very valuable and highly coveted, but also extremely rare. Zircon gemstones are considered to have high levels of clarity, and most of its impurities are only detected under magnification. 

Zircon is a birthstone for the month of December, along with turquoise and tanzanite.