zircon

noun

zir·​con ˈzər-ˌkän How to pronounce zircon (audio)
-kən
: a tetragonal mineral consisting of a silicate of zirconium and occurring usually in brown or grayish square prisms of adamantine luster or sometimes in transparent forms which are used as gems

Examples of zircon in a Sentence

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On Earth, zircons from hydrothermal systems — which form when water is heated by subsurface volcanic activity like the upward flow of hot magma — have similar patterns to those found in Black Beauty. Ashley Strickland, CNN, 10 Dec. 2024 The scientists focused on the zircon that was contained in the meteorite. Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 25 Nov. 2024 The zircon crystals that formed during the Sturtian glaciation gradually disappear in younger rocks until they are replaced by zircons formed after the ice began to melt. Elizabeth Rayne, Ars Technica, 13 Sep. 2024 The full sequin look was paired with Tiffany & Co. jewels, including a platinum necklace set with 160 carats of aquamarines, 49 carats of blue zircons, and nearly two carats of diamonds. Ingrid Vasquez, Peoplemag, 16 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for zircon 

Word History

Etymology

German

First Known Use

1794, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of zircon was in 1794

Dictionary Entries Near zircon

Cite this Entry

“Zircon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/zircon. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

zircon

noun
zir·​con ˈzər-ˌkän How to pronounce zircon (audio)
-kən
: a mineral that consists of a silicate of zirconium and occurs usually as brown or grayish crystals or sometimes as transparent forms which are used as gems

More from Merriam-Webster on zircon

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