zir·co·ni·um | ˈzər-ˌkän
noun
A common mineral occurring in small crystals which is heated, cut, and polished to form a brilliant blue-white gemstone
Zircon is the chief source of zirconium, a common mineral that is found in small crystals. When heated and polished, it forms a blue-white semi-precious gemstone. It can be used for practical refractory applications when opaque, or when transparent and polished or cut, it can be used as a gemstone in several settings. Zircon occurs in several colors naturally, including yellow, brown, red, orange, and clear, though it can also be color treated after it has been mined and cut to match the needs of the application. The chemical derivatives of zircon are used in nuclear fuel rods, catalytic converters and purification systems.
