Zircon

A old specimen of zircon from New South Wales, Australia, consisting of a cluster of intergrown honey-brown to reddish-brown crystals with bright resinous lustre. The crystals are translucent to transparent in places and display the stout tetragonal habit characteristic of Australian zircons. Under ultraviolet light the specimen fluoresces a vivid yellow. At nearly 5 cm across, it is an impressive display specimen of this important zirconium silicate.

New South Wales has long been recognized for producing excellent zircon crystals, many recovered from gem-bearing alluvial deposits derived from ancient volcanic rocks. While many Australian zircons are cut as gemstones, larger crystallized specimens suitable for mineral collections are encountered far less frequently. This attractive old specimen is an excellent representative of the classic Australian material.