December Birthstone

Mohs hardness 7½
Mineral Class - zirconium silicate
Symbol – Fidelity

It is also the recognized gift for the 23rd wedding anniversary.

Alternate Birthstones: Turquoise, Lapis, and Tanzanite

The name is either derived from the Arabic word "zarqun", ("zar", gold, plus "gun", colored) or from the Persian "zargun", meaning "gold-colored".

It was once believed that zircon provided the wearer with honor, wisdom, riches, and said to aid sleep. It was also said to enhance beauty and attractiveness of a person. It was thought to help bring inner peace and to bring out the love and admiration in all people. During the Middle Ages, zircon was believed to contain remedial power, protecting the wearer from diseases and banishing insomnia. The gem was also believed to hold magic powers to fight evil spirits. In Hinduism it is believed to help in with reproductive and urinary problems, kidneys, anemia, strengthen weak bones, and weak immune systems.

Zircon should not be confused with synthetic Cubic Zirconia, a man made Diamond stimulant. As the two are totally separate materials, and have no connection with each other. Although colorless Zircons were used as diamond fakes, they are easily distinguished from diamond by their strong double refraction.

Zircon is mined in: Norway, Austria, Germany, Russia, Australia, Sri Lanka (Myanmar), Burma (Ceylon), Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Madagascar, Brazil, Canada, and in the United States.

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