zirconhttp://www.oed.com/dictionary/zircon_n%3Ftab%3Dmeaning_and_usezircon, n.
Revised 2021

zirconnoun

Mineralogy.
  1. 1794–
    A mineral which consists of zirconium silicate and occurs as prismatic crystals, most commonly light or reddish brown but sometimes colourless, grey, yellow, green, or blue. Also: a crystal or gem of this mineral.
    Chemical formula: ZrSiO4, often with small amounts of rare-earth and other metals. Crystal system: tetragonal.
     
    Zircon is a widespread minor component of igneous rocks. Colourless and transparent varieties are used as gems: cf. hyacinth n. 1a, jacinth n. 1a, jargon n.2, Matara diamond n.
    1. 1794
      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.
      R. Kirwan, Elements of Mineralogy (ed. 2) vol. I. 14
    2. 1815
      Zircon is destitute of taste and smell, and is harsh to the touch.
      J. Smith, Panorama of Science & Art vol. II. 453
    3. 1831
      With the auriferous sand are found..little white zircons as brilliant as diamonds.
      translation of A. von Humboldt in Journal of Royal Institution Great Britain vol. 1 418
    4. 1929
      Zircon occurs always in crystals, square prisms terminated by a four-sided pyramid.
      G. P. Merrill, Minerals from Earth & Sky ii. iv. 253
    5. 1988
      Ages even greater than 4.1 aeons..may be found for other zircons in the sample and its parent rock.
      P. Cloud, Oasis in Space vi. 136/2
    6. 2011
      For my money, weapon-wielding thugs can't compare to the guy who can switch a diamond for a zircon.
      Wired February 89

zircon, n. was revised in March 2021.

zircon, n. was last modified in December 2024.