What Is a Zircon Stone (Jarkan)?
Zircon stone also known as “Jarkan” is a naturally occurring mineral known as zirconium silicate. The mineral ranks to be one of the oldest minerals on earth as some zircon crystals have been found to be more than four billion years old. Zircon is a member of the Nesosilicates mineral group. It is fundamentally different from the man-made mineral called cubic zirconia, which is used as a diamond substitute. Naturally occurring zircons are formed below the earth’s surface, which are later mined, cut and polished into gems used in rings, pendants and other jewelry.
The mineral occurs naturally in various colours including white (colourless), blue, red, yellow, orange and green. However, the most preferred variety is the colourless (white) zircon, which is regarded as the original diamond simulant. In addition, zircon is one of the twelve birthstones for December along with turquoise and tanzanite. Moreover, Sri Lanka (Ceylon) is considered to be the most reliable source of this mineral since it has the best colour and clarity.
Zircon Gemstone Benefits (Astrological)
In Vedic astrology, the natural zircon gemstone is treated as a substitute for the planet Venus (Shukra), much like diamond (Heera). People who wear a genuine jarkan stone are said to experience:
- Improved finances, luxury and material abundance through Venus's influence
- Greater marital happiness and harmony in relationships
- Enhanced confidence, personal aura and creativity
- A visible improvement in skin tone and physical appearance
- A more affordable route to Venus's benefits compared to a diamond
These are traditional astrological claims rather than scientifically verified facts so it's worth consulting a qualified astrologer before choosing a gemstone for planetary remedies.
Who Should Wear a Jarkan Stone?
Zircon is generally recommended for people whose birth chart shows a weak or afflicted Venus, or for anyone looking to strengthen the positive effects of Venus - love, beauty, comfort and prosperity. It is considered especially suitable for Taurus and Libra moon signs, since both are ruled by Venus. That said, many buyers today choose white zircon purely as a diamond look-alike for jewellery, without any astrological consideration - and that's a perfectly valid reason to buy it too.
Natural Zircon vs Cubic Zirconia vs Diamond
Because zircon is frequently confused with cubic zirconia (CZ) and even diamond, here's a quick way to tell them apart:
| Feature | Natural Zircon (Jarkan) | Cubic Zirconia | Diamond |
|---|---|---|---|
| Origin | Mined from the earth | Lab-created | Mined from the earth |
| Hardness (Mohs) | 6–7.5 | 8–8.5 | 10 |
| Astrological use | Yes - Venus substitute | No | Yes - original Venus/Shukra stone |
| Double refraction | Yes, visible under a loupe | No | No |
| Relative price | Moderate | Very low | High |
To confirm you're buying a genuine, original jarkan stone rather than glass or CZ:
- Insist on an international lab certificate (ISO/IGI/IGITL) confirming natural origin.
- Natural zircon feels noticeably heavier in the hand than glass or plastic imitations of the same size.
- Under a loupe or microscope, natural zircon shows double refraction (a slight doubling of the back facets) - CZ and glass do not.
- Buy only from sellers who disclose origin and treatment details, not just a generic "diamond look-alike" listing.
Zircon Stone Price in India
The zircon stone price in India typically ranges from around ₹1,000 to ₹40,000, depending on a few factors:
- Carat weight - larger stones cost more per carat, not just in total
- Cut and clarity - a well-faceted, eye-clean stone commands a higher zircon price than an included one
- Origin - Ceylon (Sri Lankan) zircon is priced higher than other origins
- Lab certification - a certified natural zircon stone price is always higher than an uncertified one, because certification rules out cubic zirconia or glass
At MyRatna, natural jarkan stone price starts at approximately ₹1,000 per carat and goes up to ₹8,000+ per carat for Prime and Rare quality stones. If you're comparing the natural zircon stone price in India across sellers, always check whether the quoted zircon cost includes lab certification - uncertified stones are frequently underpriced because there's no guarantee of authenticity.
Quick price snapshot (per carat, indicative):
- Limited quality jarkan: ₹1,000 – ₹2,500
- Rare quality zircon: ₹2,500 – ₹5,000
- Prime quality (Ceylon-origin, certified): ₹5,000 – ₹8,000+
जरकन स्टोन Price
जरकन स्टोन (Zircon Stone) की कीमत उसके कैरेट वजन, कट, क्लैरिटी और लैब सर्टिफिकेशन पर निर्भर करती है। भारत में सामान्यतः जरकन स्टोन की price ₹1,000 से ₹40,000 प्रति स्टोन के बीच होती है, जबकि प्रति कैरेट दर ₹1,000 से ₹8,000+ तक जाती है। असली (original) जरकन स्टोन खरीदते समय हमेशा ISO लैब सर्टिफिकेट ज़रूर मांगें, ताकि यह कन्फर्म हो सके कि स्टोन नेचुरल है, न कि क्यूबिक ज़िरकोनिया या शीशा।
Zircon Stone Care & Maintenance
Natural zircon rates 6-7.5 on the Mohs hardness scale, which is durable enough for everyday jewellery but softer than diamond. Its facet edges can chip with rough handling, so a little care goes a long way:
- Remove jarkan rings before gym sessions, swimming, or manual work
- Clean occasionally by soaking in warm water with mild soap
- Store zircon jewellery separately from harder stones to avoid scratches
- Keep away from direct sunlight and sudden temperature changes
Jarkan Nag: Wearing Zircon as a Ring
Most buyers looking for a jarkan nag - a ring set with a jarkan stone - are doing so on an astrologer's recommendation typically as a Venus (Shukra) remedy. The jarkan nag price depends on the same factors as the loose stone (carat, quality, certification) plus the metal chosen for the setting - silver keeps costs lower, while gold settings cost more. Browse the Zircon Ring or Jarkan Ring collection to pick a certified stone and get it custom-set.
Zircon Crystal - Beyond Jewellery
Beyond jewellery, the zircon crystal is also popular among crystal collectors and healers, who use it for its believed grounding and clarity-enhancing properties. If you're buying a zircon crystal for display or healing purposes rather than wearing it, look for a non-treated, natural piece - the Prime and Rare categories tend to have the fewest visible impurities.
Explore Zircon by Colour & Jewellery Type
- Yellow Zircon - a lower-cost Jupiter (Guru) substitute for Pukhraj-like benefits
- Blue Zircon - prized for its striking sky-blue tone
- Ceylon Zircon - Sri Lanka-origin stones, considered top quality
- White Zircon Stone - the diamond-substitute variety
- Zircon Ring / Jarkan Ring - ready-to-wear settings
- Zircon Pendant - for those who prefer a pendant
- Zircon Engagement Rings - a budget-friendly diamond alternative
FAQs about Zircon (Jarkan) Stone
How much does zircon stone cost?
Zircon stone price in India generally ranges from ₹1,000 to ₹40,000 per stone, depending on carat weight, cut, clarity and lab certification. At MyRatna, the per-carat zircon cost runs from around ₹1,000 for Limited quality up to ₹8,000+ for certified Prime and Rare stones.
Is jarkan the same as zircon?
Yes, jarkan is simply the Hindi name for natural zircon. It should not be confused with cubic zirconia, which is a completely different, lab-made material despite the similar-sounding name.
What is the original jarkan stone price per carat?
The original (natural, certified) jarkan stone price typically starts at around ₹1,000 per carat for Limited quality and goes up to ₹8,000 or more per carat for Prime, Ceylon-origin, lab-certified stones. Uncertified stones sold cheaper than this range should be treated with caution, as they may not be genuine.
Can zircon be worn instead of a diamond?
Yes. White zircon is widely worn as an affordable diamond substitute, both for its visual brilliance and, in Vedic astrology, as a Venus (Shukra) remedy in place of diamond (Heera).
What is the difference between natural zircon and cubic zirconia?
Natural zircon is mined from the earth and carries astrological significance; cubic zirconia is entirely man-made and has no recognised astrological use. Natural zircon also shows double refraction under magnification, which cubic zirconia does not.
Which quality of zircon should I buy - Limited, Rare, or Prime?
Prime and Rare zircon offer better clarity and colour, with pricing that scales up with carat weight. Limited quality is the more budget-friendly option and still works well for everyday jewellery or as an entry-level astrological remedy.
What is a jarkan nag and how much does it cost?
A jarkan nag is a ring set with a natural zircon stone, usually worn on an astrologer's advice. Jarkan nag price depends on the stone's carat and quality plus the setting - a silver jarkan nag is more affordable, while a gold setting increases the overall cost.
Is zircon a birthstone?
Yes - colourless zircon is recognised as one of the birthstones for December, alongside turquoise and tanzanite.