No, zircon does not float on water.
Zircon has a white streak when scratched on a ceramic streak plate.
Zircon is commonly used in the production of ceramics, including tiles and kitchenware, due to its high heat and abrasion resistance. It is also used in the manufacturing of certain types of jewelry, particularly as a diamond substitute, due to its brilliance and color variety. Additionally, zircon has applications in the production of refractory materials and as a component in some types of insulation.
Zircon is important as an age-dating tool because it contains trace amounts of uranium, allowing for the determination of the age of the zircon crystal. By measuring the ratio of uranium to lead isotopes in zircon, scientists can determine the age of the crystal, providing valuable information about the timing of geological events. This method is particularly useful in dating ancient rocks and understanding the history of Earth's formation.
The oldest zircon minerals on Earth are around 4.4 billion years old. These zircons were found in Western Australia and provide valuable insight into the early history of Earth's formation.
Cubic zirconia (cz) is a synthetic gemstone and is relatively hard, ranking around 8 – 8.5 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness. Zircon is a natural gemstone that varies in hardness, usually falling between 6.5 and 7.5 on the Mohs scale.