Zircon

Zircon (not to be confused with the inexpensive synthetic, cubic zirconia), is one of the most brilliant and fiery natural gemstones due to its high dispersion (which is what causes the colored flashes in diamond).  It is the traditional birthstone for December. It is a relatively affordable gemstone and comes in a wide variety of colors, but blue is the most common. Although it is a hard stone, the facets can abrade so it should be worn with care.

3.44 ct Zircon

A roundish oval, this slightly-brownish yellow zircon was hand-selected from a larger parcel presented to me in Colombo. Bright, well cut and flawless.

3.44 ct, 8.6 x 8.2 x 5.7mm, IF clarity
$125

4.79 ct Green Zircon

Green zircons have become quite popular lately, so I was immediately intriqued when shown this big round zircon near Ratnapura, Sri Lanka.  Slightly yellowish green, very clean (but with a bit of silk that makes it appear "sleepy"), in a very nice Sri Lankan cut.  

4.79 ct, 9.7 x 9.6 x 6.8mm, VVS clarity
$250