Zircon is a mineral belonging to the group of nesosilicates. It is typically brown or gray in color, but can also be found in yellow, green, blue, and red varieties. Zircon is a popular gemstone due to its high refractive index, which gives it a brilliant sparkle.
Zircon can be found in various locations around the world, including Australia, Thailand, Sri Lanka, and Tanzania. The world’s largest zircon producer is Australia, with the majority of its production coming from Western Australia.
In addition to its use as a gemstone, zircon has several industrial applications. It is used in the manufacturing of ceramic and refractory materials, as well as in the production of foundry molds and cores. Zircon is also used as a radioactivity detector in nuclear power plants, due to its ability to absorb and re-emit radiation.