Search Mineralpedia – A Mineral Photo Database and Identification Guide

Named for the Arabic word zarqun, which is "thought to be derived from the Persian zar, for 'gold,' and gun, for 'color.'” Extremely common and widespread, Zircon is found as an igneous and metamorphic accessory mineral, large crystals in pegmatites and carbonatites, and in sedimentary rocks and sands. Despite its frequency, fine, gemstone-quality crystals are rare. Nearly all zircon fluoresces under UV light. Can be radioactive.

Ref. Handbook of Mineralogy, Anthony et al (1995) and MSA at http://www.handbookofmineralogy.org/pdfs/zircon.pdf

Named for Ferdinand Zirkel, petrographer and a Professor of Mineralogy at the University of Leipzig, in Leipzig, Germany. Found in Brazil, Russia, Scotland, South Africa, Sri Lanka, and even from breccias derived from Moon granophyres, among other places, Zirkelite is typically found within carbonatites and layered intrusions. Zirkelite is frequently radioactive.

Ref. Handbook of Mineralogy, Anthony et al (1995) and MSA at http://www.handbookofmineralogy.org/pdfs/zirkelite.pdf

Named after Sigmund Zois, Baron von Edelstein, a mineral enthusiast who determined Zoisite was a new mineral and contributed the first specimens. A widespread mineral, Zoisite is found in schists of medium grade that were regionally metamorphosed from rocks with high calcium contents. It is also found in eclogites and blueschist facies. Part of the Epidote Group, Zoisite is the only orthorhombic member.

Ref. Handbook of Mineralogy, Anthony et al (1995) and MSA at http://www.handbookofmineralogy.org/pdfs/zoisite.pdf