Zircon
Used as a gemstone for over 2000 years. Today it is the primary ore of zirconium.
Article by: Hobart M. King, Ph.D., RPG
What Is Zircon?
Zircon is a zirconium silicate mineral with a chemical composition of ZrSiO4. It is common throughout the world as a minor constituent of igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks.
Zircon is a popular gemstone that has been used for nearly 2000 years. It occurs in a wide range of colors and has a brightness and fire that rivals those of diamond. Colorless zircon is sometimes used as a lower-cost alternative for diamond. Zircon should not be confused with cubic zirconia, which is a man-made material.
https://geology.com/minerals/zircon.shtml
