Zircon

Introduction: Zircon crystals are usually prismatic, either brown and red-brown to black, tan or caramel in colour. It is named from the Arabic zar meaning 'gold' and gun meaning 'coloured'. Zircon is mainly found in granites and pegmatites.

Distribution: Neu Schwaben deposit in the Karibib region, the De Rust pegmatite north of the Brandberg and in the Gibeon district.

Composition: Silicate

Crystal system: Tetragonal

Lustre: Adamantine, vitreous

Streak: White

Hardness: 7.5