zircon Min.
(ˈzɜːkən)
Also 8 circon, 9 zircone.
[ad. F. zircone, G. zirkon; see jargon n.2]
a. A native silicate of zirconium, occurring in tetragonal crystals, variously coloured, red, yellow, brown, green, etc.
Colourless and translucent varieties are used as gems: cf. hyacinth 1 b, jargon n.2
| 1794 Kirwan Elem. Min. (ed. 2) I. 14 Jargonic Earth or Jargonia. This earth has been discovered by Mr. Klaproth; it has as yet been found only in the stone called Jargon, or Circon, of Ceylon. 1815 J. Smith Panorama Sci. & Art II. 453 Zircon is destitute of taste and smell, and is harsh to the touch. 1849 D. Campbell Inorg. Chem. 160 Zirconia; Sesquioxide of zirconium... This oxide is found combined with silicic acid in the mineral zircons. 1902 Encycl. Brit. XXVIII. 613/2 The zircon, jargoon, or hyacinth is a very beautiful stone, varying in colour, like the topaz, from red and yellow to green and blue. |
b. attrib. and
Comb., as
zircon crystal,
zircon earth,
zircon fossil;
zircon-like adj.;
zircon blue, a light blue colour;
zircon-syenite (see
quot.).
| 1949 Brit. Colour Council Dict. Colours III. 28/2 *Zircon blue... Matched to specimens of the precious stone at the B.M. 1972 ‘E. Peters’ Death to Landlords! i. 30 Withdrawing her zircon-blue eyes from the heavens. 1976 Evening Post (Nottingham) 13 Dec. 12/3 (Advt.), Rover 2000 1969. H. Zircon blue with black trim. |
| 1804 R. Jameson Syst. Min. I. 34 The *zircon crystal is formed. |
| 1816 J. Smith Panorama Sci. & Art II. 93 *Zircon earth. |
| 1809 J. Murray Syst. Chem. (ed. 2) II. 274 *Zircon fossils. |
| 1868 Dana Min. (ed. 5) 275 Tetragonal *zircon-like minerals. |
| 1825 Haidinger tr. Mohs' Treat. Min. II. 370 Those [varieties of pyramidal zircon] from Frederiksvärn in Norway [occur] in *zircon-syenite. |