ScienceAugust 16, 2026

zircon

ZUR-kon

Definition

A highly durable, heat-resistant mineral (zirconium silicate) that often contains trace elements used to date geological events.

Etymology

The word comes from the Arabic 'zarqun,' meaning 'vermilion' or 'gold-colored,' and passed into English via the German 'Zirkon' to describe the mineral's varied color properties.

In the news

In this article, researchers found zircon evidence at the site, which helped confirm that the structure was created by a massive meteorite impact millions of years ago.

Google Maps Trip Reveals 390-Million-Year-Old Meteorite Crater

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