Top Red Zircon from from Mwakijembe Tanzania - these are highly coveted and not easy to find. Hail to to the rough hoarders out there!
These are meant to be heated after cutting to open the color. Easy to do!
3.340 grams / 16.7 carats / 15 x 12 x 9 mm / clean
Estimate: $175 - $190
The process for heating zircon is straightforward. After faceting, zircon can be heated directly on an electric stoves coils or with a plumbers/jewelers torch. If they are small stones, they can even be heated with a lighter. Place the stone on the heat source or apply the heat source to the stone. Watch the stone closely and remove from the heat when the stone is 1-2 shades from the desired color. The reason for this is that as the stone cools, it can continue to lighten a little.
Another way to heat zircon is in a chemistry tube or beaker directly over an open flame. The important thing to remember is to watch the stone closely. Once it begins to lighten color it can do so quickly. When handling the hot stone, use warm tweezers to avoid shocking the stone.
Once cooled, if the stone isn’t the desired shade, simply repeat the process.
It is important to only heat perfectly clean stone. Any flaws that do not reach the surface can expand and crack the stone during heating.
Depending on the size of the stone and intensity of the heat, the process usually takes 2-10 minutes.
A kiln can be used if wanting to heat a zircon all the way to clear because it does not need to be watched.
One final point: All zircons can be heated to clear. Only zircons from a few locations turn blue and they require a completely different heating process.
Please be sure to email us with any questions. We’re always happy to help.
