Zircon
the first gemstone on Earth, a hidden treasure
When we think of gemstones, our minds often turn to diamonds, sapphires, rubies, and emeralds. Connoisseurs might also mention topaz, amethyst, or aquamarine. Yet, there is one gemstone that rarely enters the conversation despite being among the oldest companions of our planet: zircon. With a brilliance to rival diamonds and a kaleidoscope of hues as rich and varied as sapphires, zircon is a long-overlooked gem that once held a revered place in history. As one of December’s birthstones—alongside tanzanite and turquoise—this is the perfect moment to rediscover the allure of this extraordinary treasure
The story of zircon is as ancient as Earth itself. Recent studies have dated some specimens at a staggering 4.4 billion years old, making them the oldest known terrestrial objects. It is crucial not to confuse zircon with cubic zirconia.
While zircon is a natural gemstone formed through the crystallisation of zirconium silicate, cubic zirconia is a lab-created synthetic stone. Zircon deposits are scattered across the globe, from Cambodia and the United States to Australia, South Africa, and the famed mines of Sri Lanka.
There are several captivating theories about the origin of zircon’s name. Some suggest it derives from the Arabic word zarkun, meaning «dark red,» while others trace it to the Persian term zargun, signifying «golden.» Meanwhile, ancient Hindu poetry tells of the sacred Kalpavriksha tree, whose leaves were said to be green zircons. This diversity mirrors the gemstone’s extraordinary spectrum of colours. Among its most treasured hues is blue, which was christened starlite by the celebrated 19th-century gemmologist George Kunz. Equally renowned are the white zircons of Sri Lanka, known as «Matura diamonds» for their luminous brilliance.
One of zircon’s most mesmerising qualities is its brilliance. With a refractive index second only to diamond, zircon transforms light into a vivid rainbow of colours, casting a spectacular display of reflections and scintillating flashes that captivate the beholder.
Throughout history, zircon has been cherished not only for its beauty but also for its mystical properties. In medieval times, it was thought to soothe pain, dispel nightmares, and grant the wearer deep, restorative sleep. Its popularity surged during the Victorian era, especially in the form of blue zircons. Even today, zircon is celebrated for its soothing energy and the prosperity, clarity, and serenity it is said to bestow upon its wearer.
Some of the best zircon deposits are found at the renown mines of Sri Lanka.
This ancient gem, a silent witness to the Earth’s earliest days, is a natural treasure that has captivated humanity for millennia.
Ethically sourced zircons, extracted from sustainable, small-scale deposits of Sri Lanka, take centre stage in some of our most exclusive designs. With its radiant beauty and rich history, zircon is more than a gemstone—it is a timeless celebration of nature’s artistry, brought to life in our jewellery.
María Moro,Founder of OONA, on a journey to uncover the finest zircons in the heart of Sri Lanka’s renowned zircon mining area.
