zircon

noun

zir·​con ˈzər-ˌkän How to pronounce zircon (audio)
-kən
Synonyms of zirconnext
: a tetragonal mineral consisting of a silicate of zirconium and occurring usually in brown or grayish square prisms of adamantine luster or sometimes in transparent forms which are used as gems

Examples of zircon in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Testing that assumption, the study authors smashed the rocks and examined the tiny crystals, called zircons, that were trapped inside. — Sam Walters, Discover Magazine, 17 Apr. 2025 Melting the lunar surface through extensive volcanism is one way to reset the zircons. — Nola Taylor Tillman, Space.com, 8 May 2025 The technique also typically needs kilograms of material to find enough uranium-containing zircon crystals, whereas ocean drill cores yield just grams. — Howard Lee, Ars Technica, 8 Sep. 2024 The rock sample didn’t contain a tough mineral known as a zircon — the easiest and most reliable way to date old rock formations — and little is definitive when dealing with rocks and minerals that have histories spanning more than 4 billion years. — Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 29 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for zircon

Word History

Etymology

German

First Known Use

1794, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of zircon was in 1794

Rhymes for zircon

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Browse Nearby Words

zircaloy
zircon
zirconate
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Cite this Entry

“Zircon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/zircon. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

zircon

noun
zir·​con ˈzər-ˌkän How to pronounce zircon (audio)
-kən
: a mineral that consists of a silicate of zirconium and occurs usually as brown or grayish crystals or sometimes as transparent forms which are used as gems

More from Merriam-Webster on zircon

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for zircon

Nglish: Translation of zircon for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about zircon

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