What's That Rock?Zircon
A heavy, brilliant gemstone and the oldest mineral found on Earth. Not to be confused with cubic zirconia, which is man-made.
Safety
Some zircon contains small amounts of uranium and thorium and can be weakly radioactive. Do not wear loose pieces in contact with skin for long periods.
How to identify Zircon
- Very heavy for a gem
- Four-sided crystals with pointed ends
- Doubled facet edges visible through the stone
Often confused with
Real or fake?
- Blue zircon is nearly always heat-treated
Is Zircon valuable?
Inexpensive to moderate.
Typical retail prices
Cut gemstone$20–150per carat
Typical retail ranges in US dollars, compiled from public dealer and marketplace listings in October 2026. Real prices vary widely with quality, size and origin. This is general information, not an appraisal.
What changes the price
- Color: vivid blue, red and golden stones cost more; colorless stones are often mistaken for diamond
- Brilliance: a clean, well-cut stone with high fire costs more
- Treatment: blue zircon is almost always heat-treated
- It is natural zircon, not cubic zirconia (a man-made stone); it can be weakly radioactive
Uses
- Jewelry
- Dating rocks (geologists use tiny zircon crystals)
Care
Brittle at the edges. Avoid hard knocks.
Identifying a stone from a description or a photo is an estimate. Many stones look alike. Ask an expert or a gem lab before you buy, sell or rely on an identification.
Updated October 2026