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NATURAL HISTORY OF ZIRCON

ZIRCONS

PART LXI.

SECT. I.

NATURAL HISTORY OF ZIRCON, OR JARGON

, J['HIS earth was discovered in the year 1793, by Klaproth ofBerlin, in the Zircon or Jargon, a gem first brought from theisland of Ceylon, but also found -in France, Spain, and otherparts of Europe. Its colour is either grey, greenish, yellowish,reddish-brown, or purple. It has little lustre,- and is nearlyopaque. It is likewise found in another gem called the hyacinth.This stone is of a yellowish red colour mixed with brown. Itpossesses lustre and transparency.

PROPERTIES OF ZIRCON.

Zircon earth has a white colour, is exceedingly heavy, andrough or harsh to the touch like silex. It has neither taste norodour, and is insoluble in water, but forms with it a kind of jelly.