Cross polarized photomicrograph, HR with Dartmoor type zircons,
Zircon (including hyacinth or yellow zircon) is a mineral belonging to the group of nesosilicates. Its chemical name is zirconium silicate and its corresponding chemical formula is ZrSiO4. A common empirical formula showing some of the range of substitution in zircon is (Zr1–y, REEy)(SiO4)1–x(OH)4x–y. Zircon forms in silicate melts with large proportions of high field strength incompatible elements. For example, hafnium is almost always present in quantities ranging from 1 to 4%. The crystal structure of zircon is tetragonal crystal system. The natural color of zircon varies between colorless, yellow-golden, red, brown, blue, and green. Colorless specimens that show gem quality are a popular substitute for diamond and are also known as "Matura diamond". The name derives from the Persian zargun meaning word is corrupted into "jargoon", a term applied to light-colored zircons. The English word "zircon" is derived from "Zirkon," which is the German adaptation of this word. Red zircon is called "hyacinth", from the flower hyacinthus, whose name is of Ancient Greek origin.
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Photo credit: © Scenics & Science / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
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Keywords: cross, dartmoor, hr, microscope, mineralogy, neosilicate, photomicrograph, polarized, type, zircons
