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Zircon is a popular gemstone that comes in a variety of colors. Identifying this gemstone involves some tests. Here are some steps to help in identifying zircon:
1. Weight or Density: Zircon is one of the densest gemstones, meaning it will feel heavier than other gemstones of the same size. If you weigh a zircon gemstone and then compare its weight with its size, you can get a reasonable idea if it's real or not.
2. Refractive Index: Zircon is also highly refractive, which means it will look sparklier than other gemstones when light passes through it. In general, a refractive index test can help ascertain whether a stone is a zircon or not.
3. Properties: Zircon has brittle edges and may also display a multicolored flash of light, known as fire. This isn't common in many other gemstones.
4. Double Refraction: The most remarkable characteristic exclusive to zircon is its strong double refraction, where a single ray of light that enters the gem divides into two. This means when you look down through the stone, often each facet will appear double.
5. Color: Zircon comes in a wide array of colors including colorless, blue, green, yellow, orange, red, and brown.
6. Hardness: Zircon has a hardness of 7.5 on the Mohs scale. While this is relatively high, it is not resistant to fractures and chips.
7. Use a Loop: Use a jeweler’s loop to inspect the gem’s facet junctions. In most other gemstones, facet junctions meet at a point, but zircon is unique because its facet junctions show abrasions or meet in a rounded manner.
8. Spectroscope: Genuine zircon usually displays a specific pattern in a spectroscope. In a professional setup, gemologists may use a spectroscope to check for this pattern.
Remember, only a qualified jeweler or gemologist can accurately determine if a gemstone is genuine zircon.
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