Zircon

Zircon ( /ˈzɜːrkɒn/[6][7] or /ˈzɜːrkən/[8]) is a mineral belonging to

Zircon
the group of nesosilicates, and it is a source of the metal
zirconium. Its chemical name is zirconium silicate, and its
corresponding chemical formula is ZrSiO4 . A common empirical
formula showing some of the range of substitution in zircon is
(Zr1–y , REEy )(SiO4 )1–x (OH)4x–y . Zircon forms in silicate melts
with large proportions of high field strength incompatible
elements. For example, hafnium is almost always present in
quantities ranging from 1 to 4%. The crystal structure of zircon is
tetragonal crystal system. The natural colour of zircon varies
between colourless, yellow-golden, red, brown, blue and green.

The name derives from the Persian zargun, meaning "gold-

hued".[9] This word is corrupted into "jargoon", a term applied to
light-colored zircons. The English word "zircon" is derived from
Zirkon, which is the German adaptation of this word.[10] Yellow, A lustrous crystal of zircon perched on
orange and red zircon is also known as "hyacinth",[11] from the a tan matrix of calcite from the Gilgit
flower hyacinthus, whose name is of Ancient Greek origin.
District of Pakistan
General
Category Nesosilicates
Contents
Formula zirconium silicate
Properties (repeating unit) (ZrSiO4)
Applications Strunz 9.AD.30
Occurrence classification
Radiometric dating Crystal system Tetragonal
Similar minerals Crystal class Ditetragonal
Gallery dipyramidal (4/mmm)
H-M symbol: (4/m
See also
2/m 2/m)
References
Space group I41/amd
Further reading
Unit cell a = 6.607(1), c =
External links 5.982(1) [Å]; Z = 4
Identification
Properties Color Reddish brown,
yellow, green, blue,
Zircon is common in the crust of Earth. It occurs as a common gray, colorless; in thin
accessory mineral in igneous rocks (as primary crystallization section, colorless to
products), in metamorphic rocks and as detrital grains in pale brown
sedimentary rocks.[1] Large zircon crystals are rare. Their average
Crystal habit tabular to prismatic
size in granite rocks is about 0.1–0.3 mm, but they can also grow
crystals, irregular
to sizes of several centimeters, especially in mafic pegmatites and
carbonatites.[1] Zircon is also very resistant to heat and corrosion. grains, massive
 Because of their uranium and Twinning On {101}. Crystals
thorium content, some zircons shocked by meteorite
undergo metamictization. Connected impact show
to internal radiation damage, these polysynthetic twins on
processes partially disrupt the crystal
{112}
structure and partly explain the
highly variable properties of zircon. Cleavage {110} and {111}
As zircon becomes more and more Fracture Conchoidal to uneven
modified by internal radiation
Tenacity Brittle
damage, the density decreases, the
crystal structure is compromised, and Mohs scale 7.5
the color changes. hardness
Optical microscope
Luster Vitreous to
photograph; the length of Zircon occurs in many colors,
the crystal is about 250 including reddish brown, yellow, adamantine; greasy
µm green, blue, gray and colorless.[1] when metamict.
The color of zircons can sometimes Streak White
be changed by heat treatment.
Diaphaneity Transparent to
Common brown zircons can be transformed into colorless and
opaque
blue zircons by heating to 800 to 1000 °C.[12] In geological
settings, the development of pink, red, and purple zircon occurs Specific 4.6–4.7
after hundreds of millions of years, if the crystal has sufficient gravity
trace elements to produce color centers. Color in this red or pink Optical Uniaxial (+)
series is annealed in geological conditions above temperatures of properties
around 400 °C.[13]
Refractive nω = 1.925–1.961
index nε = 1.980–2.015,
Applications 1.75 when metamict

Zircon is mainly Birefringence δ = 0.047–0.055

consumed as an opacifier, Pleochroism Weak
and has been known to be Fusibility close to 2,550 °C
used in the decorative
depend on
ceramics industry.[14] It is
Hf,Th,U,H,etc...
also the principal
precursor not only to concentrations.
metallic zirconium, Solubility Insoluble
although this application Other Fluorescent and
Sand-sized grains of zircon is small, but also to all
characteristics Radioactive,
compounds of zirconium
including zirconium May form pleochroic
dioxide (ZrO2 ), one of the most refractory materials known. halos,
Relief: high
Other applications include use in refractories and foundry casting References [1][2][3][4][5]
and a growing array of specialty applications as zirconia and
zirconium chemicals, including in nuclear fuel rods, catalytic fuel converters and in water and air purification
systems.[15]

Zircon is one of the key minerals used by geologists for geochronology.

Zircon is a part of the ZTR index to classify highly-weathered sediments.

Occurrence
Zircon is a common accessory to trace mineral constituent of most
granite and felsic igneous rocks. Due to its hardness, durability and
chemical inertness, zircon persists in sedimentary deposits and is a
common constituent of most sands. Zircon is rare within mafic rocks
and very rare within ultramafic rocks aside from a group of
ultrapotassic intrusive rocks such as kimberlites, carbonatites, and
lamprophyre, where zircon can occasionally be found as a trace
mineral owing to the unusual magma genesis of these rocks.

World production trend of zirconium
mineral concentrates
minerals eudialyte and armstrongite.
Zircon forms economic concentrations within heavy mineral sands ore
deposits, within certain pegmatites, and within some rare alkaline
volcanic rocks, for example the Toongi Trachyte, Dubbo, New South
Wales Australia[16] in association with the zirconium-hafnium

Australia leads the world in zircon mining, producing 37% of the world total and accounting for 40% of world
EDR (economic demonstrated resources) for the mineral.[17] South Africa is Africa's main producer, with 30%
of world production, second after Australia.[18]

Radiometric dating
SEM-CL image of Zircon grain
showing zonations and poly-cycles
(core-rim structure)
Zircon has played an important role during the evolution of
radiometric dating. Zircons contain trace amounts of uranium and
thorium (from 10 ppm up to 1 wt%) and can be dated using several
modern analytical techniques. Because zircons can survive geologic
processes like erosion, transport, even high-grade metamorphism, they
contain a rich and varied record of geological processes. Currently,
zircons are typically dated by uranium-lead (U-Pb), fission-track,
cathodoluminescence, and U+Th/He techniques. For instance,
imaging the cathodoluminescence emission from fast electrons can be
used as a prescreening tool for high-resolution secondary-ion-mass
spectrometry (SIMS) to image the zonation pattern and identify
regions of interest for isotope analysis. This is done using an
integrated cathodoluminescence and scanning electron
microscope. [19] Zircons in sedimentary rock can identify the sediment
source.

Zircons from Jack Hills in the Narryer Gneiss Terrane, Yilgarn Craton, Western Australia, have yielded U-Pb
ages up to 4.404 billion years,[20] interpreted to be the age of crystallization, making them the oldest minerals
so far dated on Earth. In addition, the oxygen isotopic compositions of some of these zircons have been
interpreted to indicate that more than 4.4 billion years ago there was already water on the surface of the
Earth.[20][21] This interpretation is supported by additional trace element data,[22][23] but is also the subject of
debate.[24][25] In 2015, "remains of biotic life" were found in 4.1 billion-year-old rocks in the Jack Hills of
Western Australia.[26][27] According to one of the researchers, "If life arose relatively quickly on Earth ... then
it could be common in the universe."[26]

Similar minerals
Hafnon (HfSiO4 ), xenotime (YPO4 ), béhierite, schiavinatoite ((Ta,Nb)BO4 ), thorite (ThSiO4 ), and coffinite
(USiO4 ) all share the same crystal structure (IVX IVY O4 , IIIX VY O4 in the case of xenotime) as zircon.

Gallery

Crystal structure of zircon A unit cell SEM image of zircon

Unusual olive-green zircon Cluster of three compound

crystals of zircon

See also
Baddeleyite, ZrO2 Hadean zircon
Cathodoluminescence microscope Heavy mineral sands ore deposits
Cool Early Earth History of Earth
Earliest known life forms Ilmenite

References
1. Anthony, John W.; Bideaux, Richard A.; Bladh, Kenneth W.; Nichols, Monte C., eds. (1995).
"Zircon" (http://rruff.geo.arizona.edu/doclib/hom/zircon.pdf) (PDF). Handbook of Mineralogy. II
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2. Zircon (http://www.mindat.org/min-4421.html). Mindat
3. Zircon (http://webmineral.com/data/Zircon.shtml). Webmineral
4. Hurlbut, Cornelius S.; Klein, Cornelis, 1985, Manual of Mineralogy, 20th ed., ISBN 0-471-
80580-7
5. http://www.minsocam.org/MSA/AmMin/TOC/Abstracts/2013_Abstracts/Jan13_Abstracts/Erickso
6. "Zircon definition and meaning - Collins English Dictionary" (http://www.collinsdictionary.com/di
ctionary/english/zircon). www.collinsdictionary.com. Retrieved April 29, 2018.
 7. "zircon" (https://www.ahdictionary.com/word/search.html?q=zircon). The American Heritage
Dictionary of the English Language (5th ed.). Boston: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
8. "Definition of ZIRCON" (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/zircon). www.merriam-
webster.com. Retrieved April 29, 2018.
9. Stwertka, Albert (1996). A Guide to the Elements (https://archive.org/details/guidetoelements00
stwe). Oxford University Press. pp. 117–119 (https://archive.org/details/guidetoelements00stw
e/page/117). ISBN 978-0-19-508083-4.
10. Harper, Douglas. "zircon" (https://www.etymonline.com/?term=zircon). Online Etymology
Dictionary.
11. "Hyacinth (gem)" (https://www.britannica.com/topic/hyacinth-gem). Encyclopædia Britannica.
Encyclopædia Britannica Inc. Retrieved October 7, 2016.
12. "Zircon gemstone information" (http://www.gemdat.org/gem-4421.html). www.gemdat.org.
Retrieved April 29, 2018.
13. Garver, John I.; Kamp, Peter J.J. (2002). "Integration of zircon color and zircon fission-track
zonation patterns in orogenic belts: Application to the Southern Alps, New Zealand".
Tectonophysics. 349 (1–4): 203–219. Bibcode:2002Tectp.349..203G (https://ui.adsabs.harvard.
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14. Nielsen, Ralph (2000). "Zirconium and Zirconium Compounds". Ullmann's Encyclopedia of
Industrial Chemistry. doi:10.1002/14356007.a28_543 (https://doi.org/10.1002%2F14356007.a2
8_543). ISBN 978-3527306732.
15. "Products" (http://www.mineralcommodities.com/products/). Mineral Commodities Ltd.
Retrieved August 8, 2016.
16. Staff (June 2007). "Dubbo Zirconia Project Fact Sheet June 2014" (http://www.alkane.com.au/i
mages/pdf/Media/20141023.pdf) (PDF). Alkane Resources Limited. Retrieved September 10,
2007.
17. "The Mineral Sands Industry Factbook" (http://www.zircon-association.org/Websites/zircon/ima
ges/Resources/the-mineral-sands-industry-factbook-(feb-2014).pdf) (PDF).
18. "Heavy Minerals Mining in Africa - Titanium And Zirconium" (https://www.mbendi.com/indy/min
g/hvym/af/p0005.htm). Retrieved August 8, 2016.
19. "Zircons - Application Note" (http://request.delmic.com/zircon-application-note). DELMIC.
Retrieved February 10, 2017.
20. Wilde, Simon A.; Valley, John W.; Peck, William H.; Graham, Colin M. (2001). "Evidence from
detrital zircons for the existence of continental crust and oceans on the Earth 4.4 Gyr ago".
Nature. 409 (6817): 175–178. Bibcode:2001Natur.409..175W (https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/ab
s/2001Natur.409..175W). doi:10.1038/35051550 (https://doi.org/10.1038%2F35051550).
PMID 11196637 (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11196637). S2CID 4319774 (https://api.sem
anticscholar.org/CorpusID:4319774).
21. Mojzsis, Stephen J.; Harrison, T. Mark; Pidgeon, Robert T. (2001). "Oxygen-isotope evidence
from ancient zircons for liquid water at the Earth's surface 4,300 Myr ago". Nature. 409 (6817):
178–181. doi:10.1038/35051557 (https://doi.org/10.1038%2F35051557). PMID 11196638 (http
s://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11196638). S2CID 2819082 (https://api.semanticscholar.org/Corp
usID:2819082).
22. Ushikubo, Takayuki; Kita, Noriko T.; Cavosie, Aaron J.; Wilde, Simon A.; Rudnick, Roberta L.;
Valley, John W. (2008). "Lithium in Jack Hills zircons: Evidence for extensive weathering of
Earth's earliest crust". Earth and Planetary Science Letters. 272 (3–4): 666–676.
Bibcode:2008E&PSL.272..666U (https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2008E&PSL.272..666U).
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23. "Ancient mineral shows early Earth climate tough on continents" (http://www.physorg.com/news
132583481.html). Physorg.com. June 13, 2008.
24. Nemchin, A.; Pidgeon, R.; Whitehouse, M. (2006). "Re-evaluation of the origin and evolution of
>4.2 Ga zircons from the Jack Hills metasedimentary rocks". Earth and Planetary Science
Letters. 244 (1–2): 218–233. Bibcode:2006E&PSL.244..218N (https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/ab
s/2006E&PSL.244..218N). doi:10.1016/j.epsl.2006.01.054 (https://doi.org/10.1016%2Fj.epsl.20
06.01.054).
25. Cavosie, A.J.; Valley, J.W.; Wilde, S.A.; e.i.m.f (2005). "Magmatic δ18O in 4400–3900 Ma
detrital zircons: A record of the alteration and recycling of crust in the Early Archean". Earth and
Planetary Science Letters. 235 (3–4): 663–681. Bibcode:2005E&PSL.235..663C (https://ui.ads
abs.harvard.edu/abs/2005E&PSL.235..663C). doi:10.1016/j.epsl.2005.04.028 (https://doi.org/1
0.1016%2Fj.epsl.2005.04.028).
26. Borenstein, Seth (October 19, 2015). "Hints of life on what was thought to be desolate early
Earth" (https://web.archive.org/web/20151023200248/http://apnews.excite.com/article/2015101
9/us-sci--earliest_life-a400435d0d.html). Excite. Yonkers, NY: Mindspark Interactive Network.
Associated Press. Archived from the original (http://apnews.excite.com/article/20151019/us-sci-
-earliest_life-a400435d0d.html) on October 23, 2015. Retrieved October 8, 2018.
27. Bell, Elizabeth A.; Boehnke, Patrick; Harrison, T. Mark; Mao, Wendy L. (2015). "Potentially
biogenic carbon preserved in a 4.1 billion-year-old zircon" (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/ar
ticles/PMC4664351). Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. 112 (47): 14518–
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518B). doi:10.1073/pnas.1517557112 (https://doi.org/10.1073%2Fpnas.1517557112).
PMC 4664351 (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4664351). PMID 26483481 (http
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Further reading
John M. Hanchar & Paul W. O. Hoskin (eds.) (2003). "Zircon" (http://www.minsocam.org/MSA/R
IM/Rim53.html). Reviews in Mineralogy and Geochemistry, 53. ISBN 0-939950-65-0
(Mineralogical Society of America monograph).
D. J. Cherniak & E. B. Watson (2000). "Pb diffusion in zircon". Chemical Geology. 172 (1–2): 5–
24. Bibcode:2001ChGeo.172....5C (https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2001ChGeo.172....5C).
doi:10.1016/S0009-2541(00)00233-3 (https://doi.org/10.1016%2FS0009-2541%2800%290023
3-3).
A. N. Halliday (2001). "In the beginning…". Nature. 409 (6817): 144–145.
doi:10.1038/35051685 (https://doi.org/10.1038%2F35051685). PMID 11196624 (https://pubme
d.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11196624). S2CID 4339433 (https://api.semanticscholar.org/CorpusID:4339
433).
Hermann Köhler (1970). "Die Änderung der Zirkonmorphologie mit dem Differentiationsgrad
eines Granits". Neues Jahrbuch für Mineralogie - Monatshefte. 9: 405–420.
K. Mezger & E. J. Krogstad (1997). "Interpretation of discordant U-Pb zircon ages: An
evaluation". Journal of Metamorphic Geology. 15 (1): 127–140. Bibcode:1997JMetG..15..127M
(https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/1997JMetG..15..127M). doi:10.1111/j.1525-
1314.1997.00008.x (https://doi.org/10.1111%2Fj.1525-1314.1997.00008.x).
J. P. Pupin (1980). "Zircon and Granite petrology". Contributions to Mineralogy and Petrology.
73 (3): 207–220. Bibcode:1980CoMP...73..207P (https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/1980CoM
P...73..207P). doi:10.1007/BF00381441 (https://doi.org/10.1007%2FBF00381441).
S2CID 96470918 (https://api.semanticscholar.org/CorpusID:96470918).
Gunnar Ries (2001). "Zirkon als akzessorisches Mineral". Aufschluss. 52: 381–383.
G. Vavra (1990). "On the kinematics of zircon growth and its petrogenetic significance: a
cathodoluminescence study". Contributions to Mineralogy and Petrology. 106 (1): 90–99.
Bibcode:1990CoMP..106...90V (https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/1990CoMP..106...90V).
doi:10.1007/BF00306410 (https://doi.org/10.1007%2FBF00306410). S2CID 140566387 (http
s://api.semanticscholar.org/CorpusID:140566387).
 John W. Valley; William H. Peck; Elizabeth M. King; Simon A. Wilde (2002). "A Cool Early
Earth" (http://www.geology.wisc.edu/zircon/cool_early/cool_early_home.html). Geology. 30 (4):
351–354. Bibcode:2002Geo....30..351V (https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2002Geo....30..351
V). doi:10.1130/0091-7613(2002)030<0351:ACEE>2.0.CO;2 (https://doi.org/10.1130%2F0091-
7613%282002%29030%3C0351%3AACEE%3E2.0.CO%3B2). Retrieved April 11, 2005.
G. Vavra (1994). "Systematics of internal zircon morphology in major Variscan granitoid types".
Contributions to Mineralogy and Petrology. 117 (4): 331–344. Bibcode:1994CoMP..117..331V
(https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/1994CoMP..117..331V). doi:10.1007/BF00307269 (https://do
i.org/10.1007%2FBF00307269). S2CID 128459636 (https://api.semanticscholar.org/CorpusID:
128459636).

External links
Geochemistry of old zircons (http://www.geology.wisc.edu/zircon/zircon_home.html)
Mineral galleries (https://web.archive.org/web/20050407220144/http://mineral.galleries.com/mi
nerals/silicate/zircon/zircon.htm)
GIA Gem Encyclopedia - Zircon (http://www.gia.edu/zircon) Online articles and information on
zircon history, lore, and research
Zircon Industry Association (http://www.zircon-association.org/)

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