Zircon may be distinguished from diamond by its double refraction and by wear and tear on its facet edges. zircon are should work. Several methods may be employed in order to determine whether a transparent gem possesses double refraction or not. A high refractive index means these gems sparkle with an incredible dispersion, explaining why they were a popular diamond simulant for many years. Colour. A simple polariscope test for single vs double refraction can at least determine if the stone may be diamond (single refraction) as opposed to zircon (double refraction). Zircon is a popular gem because it is available in a variety of pleasing colors. Clarity. Gems with noticeable inclusions are less valuable. Among consumers, blue is the most popular colour of zircon. Specific Gravity: 3.90 to 4.71 depending on low zircon or high zircon. The space between the two members of each pair of reflections serves to give a rough idea of the degree of the double refraction of the material if compared with the space between members in the case of some other kind of stone held at the same distance from the card. The double refraction is different in every mineral, and can be used to identify gemstones. This same test can be used to distinguish zircon from cubic zirconia. The main distinguishing feature between zircons and diamonds is the double refraction that zircon exhibits. Quality Factors.

Some zircon contains radioactive thorium and uranium, which eventually break down the crystal structure. Due to this phenomenon, natural white zircons display the illusion of twice the fire and twice the facets you’d normally see. The double refraction is different in every mineral, and can be used to identify gemstones.

Clarity. Willebrord Snel (1580–1626) Netherlands. This birefringence, however, can also cause zircon to appear fuzzy and cloudy at times. John One of the simplest is to look through the table of a stone with a loupe and observe whether the edges between the back facets appear as single or double … The double refraction on most minerals is so weak that it cannot be observed without special instruments.

Zircon can be heated to make it colorless or to enhance its colors. Tests for Double Refraction.

However, in some minerals, such as the Iceland Spar variety of Calcite, it is strongly displayed. Can be confused with: high and intermediate Zircons (see below "Interesting Facts") can hardly be mistaken due to the extremely high specific gravity and the very strong double refraction. however, you make me ask, how do you know it is a synthetic zircon? With its own unique authorisation card complete with the original rock and the polished stone. Thus zircon separates the reflections widely. Among consumers, blue is the most popular color of zircon. It is sometimes looked upon as a cheap Diamond simulant, but in actuality it can be a valuable gem. Color. Zircon is a popular gem because it is available in a variety of pleasing colors. This is double refraction caused by the birefringence. Transparency: TP to TL. Light entering minerals with low crystal symmetry is broken into two rays. You say that a diamond tester shows positive diamond. Special Identifying Properties and Tests: Easily identified by its RI being over the limit of most refractometers and its strong double refraction. These optically anisotropic materials are said to be birefringent (or birefractive).The birefringence is often quantified as the maximum difference between refractive indices exhibited by the material. However, in some minerals, such as the Iceland Spar variety of Calcite, it is strongly displayed. Diamonds are singly refractive. Diamond is singly refractive and will not show doubling of features within the stone. With the shining sterling silver, this is a beautiful solitaire that would rival any diamond ring but at a fraction of the price.