A hard, lustrous mineral composed of zirconium silicate, often used as a gemstone and in industrial applications. Colorless zircon is sometimes used as a diamond substitute due to its high refractive index.
From Arabic zarqūn, derived from Persian zargun meaning 'gold-colored,' referring to the golden variety of this gemstone. The word passed through various European languages, entering English via French zircon in the 18th century. The Arabic transmission reflects the Islamic world's role in gemstone trade and mineralogy.
Zircon crystals are among the oldest materials on Earth - some are over 4 billion years old, making them older than any rock! Arab gem traders valued these ancient crystals without knowing they were holding pieces of the early Earth in their hands.
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