Where is Zircon found?
ZrSiO4
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Open the appZircon occurs in specific geological environments. Knowing where to look, and in what kind of rock, is the difference between going home empty-handed and finding a great specimen.
Where to find Zircon
Jack Hills, Western Australia
Site of the oldest known terrestrial material, including zircon grains dated up to 4.404 billion years old, providing insights into early Earth conditions.
Sri Lanka
Historically a significant source of gem-quality zircon, particularly the reddish-brown 'hyacinth' variety and colorless 'jargon'.
Myanmar (Burma)
Known for producing fine gem-quality zircons, including blue and colorless varieties.
Cambodia
A major source of gem-quality zircon, often heat-treated to produce blue and colorless stones.
Brazil
Produces various colors of zircon, including yellow, brown, and green.
Norway
Known for large, well-formed zircon crystals, often found in pegmatites.
Madagascar
Source of various colored zircons, including green and brown.
United States (e.g., North Carolina, Colorado)
Found in various igneous and metamorphic rock formations, though less commonly as gem-quality material.
Collecting tips
- Look in Granitic Rocks and Pegmatites. Zircon is a common accessory mineral in felsic igneous rocks. Examine weathered outcrops or stream sediments derived from these rocks.
- Check Heavy Mineral Sands. Due to its high specific gravity and resistance to weathering, zircon concentrates in placer deposits (heavy mineral sands) in rivers and beaches. Panning can reveal small, dense grains.
- Examine Metamorphic Terrains. In high-grade metamorphic rocks like gneisses and schists, zircon can be found as disseminated grains or in veins.
- Use a Hand Lens. Zircon crystals are often small. A hand lens (10x magnification) will help in identifying their characteristic tetragonal crystal habit and adamantine luster.
- Test Hardness and Specific Gravity. Its high hardness (6.5-7.5) and specific gravity (4.6-4.7) are key diagnostic properties that can help distinguish it from other minerals in the field.
Quick Check
- Color:
- Variable (brown, red-brown, yellow, green, blue, colorless)
- Luster:
- Adamantine to vitreous
- Streak:
- White
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