Minerals and Metals in Ancient India v2.c47.187

v2.c47.187

Jargon is a name given to the colourless or smoky zircons of Sri Lanka, in allusion to the fact that while resembling the diamond in luster, they are comparatively worthless; thence came the name Zircon. An alternative theory is that the name was derived from Zarqun (Arabic) which is from Persian Zar (= gold) and qun (= colour). Hyacinth is the orange, reddish and brownish transparent variety of zircon, used as gem. A particular mineral of the Garnet family is also called Hyacinth. Zircon, when exposed to hot fumes from a solution of cobalt nitrate and potassium ferro-cyanide gives blue artificial gem starlite.