Zircon is the birthstone for December and has a long and fascinating history as a gemstone. Zircon is a natural mineral that can come in a range of colours, including colourless, blue, yellow, brown, and red.
Zircon has been used as a gemstone since ancient times and was highly valued by the ancient Greeks and Romans, who believed that the gemstone had many mystical and healing properties. In addition to its beauty, zircon was believed to have many powerful properties, including the ability to protect the wearer from harm, promote good health, and bring wisdom and understanding.
Zircon was also highly valued in the Middle Ages and was often used to decorate the crowns and sceptres of royalty. The gemstone was considered to be a symbol of power and wealth, and was believed to have the power to bring success and good fortune to the wearer.
In the modern era, zircon has continued to be a popular gemstone, and is often used in fine jewellery such as wine charms, rings, necklaces, and earrings. Zircon is also used in a range of industrial applications, including in the production of ceramic and glass materials.
It is worth noting that zircon is sometimes confused with the synthetic gemstone cubic zirconia, which is a man-made material that is often used as a diamond substitute in jewellery. Zircon and cubic zirconia are two distinct materials with different properties and histories.