1.19 Ct. Blue Zircon from Ceylon (Sri Lanka)

This oval blue zircon from Ceylon presented by The Natural Gemstone Company is a technically refined collector grade gem, weighing 1.19 carats and measuring 6.71 by 5.39 by 3.40 millimeters. The proportions yield a length to width ratio of approximately 1.25 and a total depth percentage of about 50.7 percent, proportions that favor balanced light return in an oval outline. The cutting style is faceted in a mixed brilliant design, where a brilliant facet arrangement on the crown is combined with a more controlled pavilion faceting scheme to maximize both scintillation and centralized brilliance. The medium color intensity is an evenly distributed soft blue, achieved and stabilized through a controlled heat treatment process, a common and accepted enhancement for zircon that enhances hue saturation without compromising transparency. The stone is transparent with excellent polish, and the facet junctions and girdle execution show careful lapidary control to preserve facet symmetry and optical performance.

Clarity is graded as slightly included when evaluated at eye level. That grade indicates the presence of minor natural inclusions that do not materially interfere with the overall light performance or the pleasing visual openness of the stone. Because this specimen was cut with a mixed brilliant arrangement and optimized depth, the cutting strategy minimizes the visual impact of inclusions by directing return light through the table and crown facets, increasing perceived brightness and hiding small internal features under typical viewing angles. The excellent polish contributes to crisp facet edges and strong facet reflections, which together enhance apparent clarity and sparkle. For setting considerations, the oval outline and the measured proportions make this gem well suited to traditional four or six prong settings, solitaire bezels, and halo designs where the combination of clean facets and medium blue saturation will read as lively yet refined in jewelry.

On the Mohs hardness scale, zircon typically registers in the range of approximately 6.5 to 7.5, which places this blue zircon below corundum varieties such as sapphire and ruby, which are a 9, and well below diamond at 10, while above common softer gemstones such as fluorite. Compared with topaz at 8, zircon requires somewhat more attentive wear and protective mounting to avoid abrasion and accidental impact. In addition to its moderate hardness, zircon can exhibit brittle tendencies and has perfect cleavage in certain directions, so we recommend secure settings that protect girdle and pavilion edges, such as bezel or low-profile prong designs when intended for everyday wear. Cleaning should be performed with mild detergent and a soft brush and ultrasonic or steam cleaning should be used with caution given the heat treatment history and potential for internal strain. As specialists in natural gem material, The Natural Gemstone Company can advise on setting styles and will provide additional imaging and mounting recommendations to ensure the long term beauty and durability of this Ceylon blue zircon.