Zircon is one of the most brilliant of all colored gems. Colorless zircon was commonly used as an early diamond substitute, and zircon in all of its assorted natural colors has been used in jewelry since early times.
The natural colors of the stone are honey yellow, orange, red, and various shades of green and blue. Less desired brownish colors are often heated to turn them colorless or blue, with some of these shades possibly reverting back to their natural color if exposed to strong UV light.
The stone is somewhat brittle, and the girdle edges of the stone are easily damaged. Despite these drawbacks, zircon is a beautiful, brilliant gem, and makes wonderful jewelry. Deposits of the stone are primarily in southern Asia
