Zircon Buying Guide - What Factors to Consider Before You Buy

Color

Blue zircon dominates the market, ranging from pastel sky blue to deep navy tones. This blue color is almost always the result of heat treatment, as is the case for many white zircons.

Heat treatment is so common that truly untreated blue or white zircons are practically impossible to find, so be cautious of claims about “untreated” stones.

Zircons can also appear in lovely pink, red, orange, and brown tones, with earthy orange examples especially prized for their warm, autumnal color. Natural green zircon is considered the rarest and can be one of the most expensive forms available.

Clarity

Zircon gemstones typically have excellent clarity, and you should expect “eye-clean” stones without visible inclusions. Some untreated zircon might display a cloudy look, which can appeal to collectors interested in unique colors.

Carat

Zircons are usually smaller than stones like aquamarine or topaz, though some blue zircons can reach 5–10 carats. Reds and oranges generally stay under 5 carats. Due to zircon’s density, a 5-carat zircon will appear smaller than a 5-carat topaz, so always check millimeter measurements to be sure.

Cut / Shape

Popular zircon cuts include oval step cuts, round diamond cuts, and octagon step cuts, which show excellent color. Because zircon is doubly refractive and shows pleochroism, a skilled gem cutter must orient it properly to display its best face-up color.

Jewelry

Zircon ranks around 7 on the Mohs scale, making it strong enough for most jewelry styles. However, since zircon is somewhat brittle, protective settings are wise, especially for rings that could be hit or knocked. With brilliance and fire to rival diamond, zircon is an affordable diamond alternative for many shoppers.

Treatments

Most blue and white zircons on the market are heat-treated to achieve their colors, so consider these treatments normal. Meanwhile, zircons in pink, orange, or red shades are often natural. Because zircon is already affordable, it’s reasonable to choose whichever color appeals to you most, regardless of treatment status.

Price

Zircon’s sparkle, durability, and history make it surprisingly affordable. Larger carat weights command higher prices regardless of color, and you’ll find a wide range of options to fit most budgets.

Birthstone

Blue zircon is one of the recognized birthstones for December and is growing in popularity with jewelry lovers looking for something distinctive.

Durability

While zircon is durable enough to resist most scratches, it remains somewhat brittle and should be worn with care. Protective settings are recommended for everyday wear to avoid chips or breakage.