Zircon

ZrSiO4

Zircon is the oldest mineral found on Earth, with some crystals dating back 4.4 billion years. It is an important accessory mineral in igneous rocks and a key mineral for geochronology (U-Pb dating). The gem variety comes in many colors.

Crystal System Tetragonal
Mineral Class 09 Silicates
Mohs Hardness 6.5-7.5
Specific Gravity 3.93-4.73
Color Colorless, yellow, brown, red, green, blue
Luster Adamantine
Streak Colorless
Cleavage Poor {110}, {111}
Fracture Conchoidal
Transparency Transparent
Crystal Habit Prismatic with pyramidal terminations

Mohs Hardness

Mohs Hardness: 6.5 – 7.5
1 Soft10 Hard
Zircon has a Mohs hardness of 6.5–7.5 on the 1–10 mineral hardness scale.
Mohs Hardness Reference Mineral
1 Talc
2 Gypsum
3 Calcite
4 Fluorite
5 Apatite
6 Orthoclase
7 Quartz
8 Topaz
9 Corundum
10 Diamond

Crystal System

Tetragonal
Zircon crystallizes in the Tetragonal crystal system.
Property Value
Crystal System Tetragonal
Axial Relationships a = b ≠ c, α = β = γ = 90°

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hardness of Zircon?
Zircon has a Mohs hardness of 6.5-7.5.
What crystal system does Zircon belong to?
Zircon crystallizes in the Tetragonal crystal system.
What color is Zircon?
Zircon is typically Colorless, yellow, brown, red, green, blue.
What type of luster does Zircon have?
Zircon exhibits a Adamantine luster.
What is the chemical formula of Zircon?
The chemical formula of Zircon is ZrSiO4.