Cambodian Blue Zircon, Ratanakiri's Treasure

Blue Zircon Buying in Phnom Penh Cambodia.jpg__PID:5e2bbf93-f035-404d-9217-0faa1e3f0c8f

Buying Blue Zircon in Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Table of Contents

  • What is Cambodian Zircon?
  • Is Cambodian Blue Zircon Heated?
  • What Month is Zircon the Birthstone Of?
  • Is Zircon a Suitable Gemstone for a Ring?
  • Hunt for Your Perfect Zircon

The pursuit of Blue Zircon took us to the land of Cambodia, where we travelled to Siem Reap, Pailin and Phnom Penh in search of local gem dealers who could show us their finest examples of this blue semi-precious gemstone. Our journey was one of discovery and a deepened appreciation for this unique gemstone and the people behind it.

“Zircon holds a glow that’s akin to the fire of diamonds, yet with colors all its own.” ~ George Kunz, The Curious Lore of Precious Stones (1913)

1. What is Cambodian Zircon?

Zircon (Zirconium Silicate) is the oldest-known natural mineral on Earth, dating back 4.4 billion years! It begins its journey in igneous rocks, forming deep within Earth's crust, crystallising from molten magma as it cools and hardens.

Zircon grows in a tetragonal crystal system and rates 6.5 - 7.5 on the Mohs hardness scale. Its lustre is vitreous; its specific gravity (SG) is 3.9 - 4.7, and its refractive index (RI) is 1.81- 2.02. Zircon has important mining sources in Cambodia, Madagascar and Sri Lanka.

Ratanakiri Blue Zircon Miner

Ratanakiri Miner Hunting for Zircon Crystal

Blue Zircon, Cambodia's Treasure!

Cambodia, a Southeast Asian country nestled between Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam, is the hidden jewel of Indochina. With a problematic history under its belt, it is now a peaceful and safe country to travel to. Cambodia's landscape is verdant green and lush from the tropical rainfall, and agriculture is one of the largest industries in the country, alongside textiles and tourism. Cambodia also holds a lesser known secret. It produces sensational precious gemstones that rival those from other prestigious origins, such as Burma and Thailand. Deep within its fertile Earth lies a treasure unique to this country, a gemstone that no other country can claim... a zircon of a sensational kingfisher blue colour, traditionally known as starlight, but now aptly called 'Cambodian Blue Zircon'.

Where is Cambodian Blue Zircon Mined?

Cambodian Blue Zircon is mined in the remote province of Ratanakiri, which translates to gem mountain. This zircon-rich land sits nestled alongside the Laos and Vietnam border. It is approximately a 9-hour drive from Siam Reap, and the mine can only be accessed by a road vehicle. Ratanakiri is remote and rarely visited by foreigners. This northeastern province is one of the poorest in Cambodia, with the government allocating limited funds towards infrastructure, education and health.

The Ratanakiri mountains are from where all Blue Zircon available on the global gem market originates. The dense jungles and mountainous terrain made early mining efforts challenging, with locals using simple hand tools to collect the zircon rough from shallow deposits. Over time, as demand grew for Cambodian blue zircon, so did mining activity. Today, small-scale artisanal mining remains the norm, with miners continuing to use traditional methods and pure manpower with no heavy machinery. Vertical shaft mining is the most common technique for retrieving the zircon crystals. Miners dig a vertical tunnel straight down from the surface, reaching the depth of the gem deposit. Ratanakiri's blue zircon mines are small-scale and community-focused, allowing families to earn a living and sustaining the local economy. With little government help or support, this deposit brings much-needed income to the province. Ratanakiri's miners possess generational knowledge of zircon extraction and heating zircon to transform the colour. Their hard work and expertise have made the Cambodian Blue Zircon accessible on the global gem market.

The Road to Ratanakiri, Cambodian Blue Zircon Mining Area

The Road to Ratanakiri, Cambodian Blue Zircon Mining Area

12.81ct Cambodian Blue Zircon Oval Cut
12.81ct Cambodian Blue Zircon Oval Cut
12.81ct Cambodian Blue Zircon Oval Cut
12.81ct Cambodian Blue Zircon AIGS Report
12.81ct Cambodian Blue Zircon Oval Cut
12.81ct Cambodian Blue Zircon Oval Cut
12.81ct Cambodian Blue Zircon Oval Cut
12.79ct Cambodian Blue Zircon
12.81ct Cambodian Blue Zircon AIGS Report

12.79ct Cambodian Blue Zircon

$6,352.00
View Details

Here at The Sapphire Merchant, we adore zircon and firmly believe that it is one of the most underrated natural precious gemstones available on the market today. During our 2024 buying trip to Thailand, this sensational Cambodian blue zircon was presented to us by an experienced gemologist who has a passion and flair for buying zircon. Rarely seen in sizes exceeding 10 carats, we were blown away by the bold and bright beauty of this gemstone. It was an easy decision to acquire this exclusive piece for our collection.

1.15ct Brazilian Santa Maria Aquamarine

2. Is Cambodian Blue Zircon Heated?

Blue Zircon, when mined, is a bronze-brown colour. It resembles a chocolate-coloured diamond and is visually spectacular when cut and polished. This colour, however, is not sought after in the global gem market. The locals of Ratanakiri have a simple way to transform the colour. The brown zircon crystals are double-sealed in airtight crucibles and set in a vertical oven atop a pile of charcoal. A blower fans the fire for about an hour, and the crucible attains white heat. After briefly cooling, the crucible is cracked open and the brown rough has transformed into hues of white, pale blue and kingfisher blue.

The French gemologist Jean Claude Michelou referred to the Ratanakiri locals as "alchemists" for their unique ability to transform brown zircon into blue zircon. Michelou observed their mastery of traditional heat treatment techniques, a practice passed down through generations in Ratanakiri, Cambodia.

Is All Gem Grade Zircon Heated?

Not all gem grade zircon has undergone heat treatment. This intensely fiery gemstone is also found in reds, pinks, browns, oranges, yellows, greens, and colourless. Many of these hues do not undergo the heat treatment process, as they are already attractive. Historically known as Hyacinth, zircon's colour palette is largely autumnal, and teamed with its exceptional brilliance and fire, it results in a bold, earthy, and visually stunning natural gemstone.

Zircon is Doubly Refractive, also Known as Birefringence

Zircon is unique and desirable because it is one of the few semi-precious gemstones that rival a diamond with brilliance. As you admire and move a Zircon, its refractive properties create sharp and intense flashes of multicolour light, often informally described as shimmer. A colourless Zircon resembles a diamond and has been known as a Matura Diamond. One of the main differences is that zircon is doubly refractive, and diamond is not. This double fraction, also known as Birefringence, creates a mesmerising display of light, a fiery brilliance, that is truly fascinating to observe.

Even with its sheer beauty rivalling that of diamonds, zircon is much more affordable than a comparable-sized or shaped diamond, making it an attractive alternative. With a Zircon, you can achieve a similar aesthetic to a diamond jewellery piece but with a more modest budget.

Admiring a Blue Zircon in Phnom Penh

Generationlal family business in Phnom Penh, Cambodia who specialise in cutting zircon

Buying Cambodian Blue Zircon in Phnom Penh, Cambodia

3.What Month is Zircon the Birthstone Of?

Zircon is the official birthstone of December, alongside Tanzanite and Turquoise. This makes it a fitting choice for those born in the Sagittarius and Capricorn zodiacs. With a beautiful array of colours available, a zircon gemstone fits every aesthetic and acquired taste. 

Zircon is the 21st wedding anniversary gift.

There is a longstanding tradition of gifting a gemstone each year to mark a wedding anniversary. Zircon is traditionally gifted for the 21st wedding anniversary. Gold is the official 1st wedding anniversary gift; however, that isn't limited to the metal itself! Consider golden zircon as a thoughtful gold-inspired first wedding anniversary gift. Sri Lanka produces fine specimens on this bold colour.

Zircon, The Trendiest Gemstone this Year?

Zircon is one of the most underrated semi-precious gemstone choices today. But this is changing, and avid gem collectors and custom jewellery enthusiasts are seeing zircon's incredible potential from an investment standpoint and the brilliant natural beauty it brings to custom jewellery designs. We attended the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show 2024, and it was very clear from talking with other gem dealers that zircon, especially Cambodian Blue Zircon, was one of the most sought-after gems of the event. This is also reflected in the fast-rising wholesale prices.

3.13ct Champagne Zircon Oval Cut
3.13ct Champagne Zircon Oval Cut
3.13ct Champagne Zircon Oval Cut
3.13ct Champagne Zircon Oval Cut
3.13ct Champagne Zircon Oval Cut
3.13ct Champagne Zircon Oval Cut
3.13ct Champagne Zircon Oval Cut
3.13ct Champagne Zircon Oval Cut

3.13ct Champagne Zircon

$998.00
7.20ct Golden Yellow Zircon Cushion Cut Sri Lanka Origin
7.20ct Golden Yellow Zircon Cushion Cut Sri Lanka Origin
7.20ct Golden Yellow Zircon Cushion Cut Sri Lanka Origin
7.20ct Golden Yellow Zircon Cushion Cut Sri Lanka Origin
7.20ct Golden Yellow Zircon Cushion Cut Sri Lanka Origin
7.20ct Golden Yellow Zircon Cushion Cut Sri Lanka Origin
7.20ct Golden Yellow Zircon Cushion Cut Sri Lanka Origin
7.20ct Golden Yellow Zircon Cushion Cut Sri Lanka Origin

7.20ct Golden Yellow Zircon

$1,895.00
4.90ct White Zircon Pair Oval Cut Cambodia Origin
4.90ct White Zircon Pair Oval Cut Cambodia Origin
4.90ct White Zircon Pair Oval Cut Cambodia Origin
4.90ct White Zircon Pair Oval Cut Cambodia Origin
4.90ct White Zircon Pair Oval Cut Cambodia Origin
4.90ct White Zircon Pair Oval Cut Cambodia Origin

4.90ct White Zircon Pair

$1,899.00
2.90ct Cambodian Blue Zircon Oval Cut
2.90ct Cambodian Blue Zircon Oval Cut
2.90ct Cambodian Blue Zircon Oval Cut
2.90ct Cambodian Blue Zircon Oval Cut
2.90ct Cambodian Blue Zircon Oval Cut
2.90ct Cambodian Blue Zircon Oval Cut

2.90ct Cambodian Blue Zircon

$599.00

4. Is Cambodian Blue Zircon a Suitable Gemstone for a Ring?

What a delight to have the opportunity to adorn yourself with a beautiful natural jewel with a history that stretches back to the beginning of time. The Sapphire Merchant has designed some notable custom zircon jewellery pieces for our clientele, including zircon engagement rings. Zircon is acceptable an engagement ring gemstone, but it can be a softer gem, so the setting style should be considered and some care should be taken when wearing it day in and day out.

Here are two examples of our custom jewellery work with zircon.

A Cambodia Blue Zircon Cocktail Ring

Our T.S.M custom 6.84ct Cambodian Blue Zircon ring. Our client wanted a custom-designed ring that had a distinctly antique feel but still felt fun and fresh at the same time. During our consultation, we looked at different design features that he felt made an attractive jewellery piece. Bringing these design features together, we opted for a halo of 2.50mm round brilliant diamonds, D colour with VVS clarity, to frame the generously sized emerald cut zircon. The diamonds added to the overall brilliance of the ring and brought a distinct feeling of luxury to the design. Next, we created a fine-leafed filigree pattern for the band, a nod to the Victorian era. This striking band-work stabilised the larger 6.84ct zircon and 1.05ct total diamond weight. This Cambodian Blue Zircon Custom Ring was finished in 18k yellow gold, resulting in a visually luxurious feast for the eyes. Our client was thrilled with the result, and this stunning custom Cambodian Blue Zircon ring was a luxury Christmas gift for his wife.

Cambodian Blue Zircon Cocktail Ring.jpg__PID:499aae7c-e0e8-4de2-ab26-f05694661abd

A Champagne Zircon Engagement Ring

Our T.S.M custom 6.32ct Champagne Zircon engagement ring. Our client originally wanted a yellow diamond framed with trilliant cut white diamonds; however, the price for coloured diamonds is high, and finding suitable options can be challenging. Our client initially wanted to view our yellow sapphire stock but immediately gravitated toward the Zircon options in our catalogue. She was quickly taken by the 6.32ct radiant cut zircon, which certainly had a diamond appeal! From here, we created the 3 stone engagement ring style, adding our custom design features to make it a truly unique custom jewellery piece. The Sapphire Merchant sourced trilliant cut diamonds, approximately 0.70 total carat weight, in G-H colour with VS clarity. We mixed the metal, making the overall ring in 14k yellow gold but making the basket work, holding the diamonds in 14k white gold. This was done to brighten the diamond work. We added a gorgeous heart detail on each side of the basket holding the zircon, giving my client a unique stamp on her custom jewellery piece. This Champagne Zircon Engagement Ring was a customised take on the classic 3-stone engagement. A custom jewellery design that will stand the test of time!

A Champagne Zircon Engagement Ring

5. Hunt for Your Perfect Zircon

Peruse our extraordinary collection of zircon gemstones, each one a rare and unique treasure. If you have a particular requirement, we have access to the most exquisite and hard-to-find zircon gemstones through our incredible network of the world’s best gem dealers.

We offer in-person viewings for New Zealand residents and virtual viewings for our international clients, ensuring you have access to the most exclusive gemstones.

Our design process is a true collaboration, entwining your vision with our creativity. Upon choosing your precious gemstone, we gather information to conceptualise your vision. Using computer-aided design (CAD) technology, we transform your jewellery idea into a detailed 3D model. You have the flexibility to customise every aspect of your design idea, and we will guide you through this creative process, ensuring your unique vision is brought to life.

Once the design is perfected, our skilled team of jewellery artisans brings your piece to life with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring the highest-quality finish. With The Sapphire Merchant, you get a breathtaking piece of jewellery and a memorable experience tailored to your requirements. We will create for you a cherished heirloom that will be treasured for generations to come.