Location
Parker-Reed, SSWAC
Start Date
1-5-2014 2:00 PM
End Date
1-5-2014 3:00 PM
Project Type
Poster
Description
The first known written record about zircon dates back to c.1400. Zircon forms in felsic magmas and thus is commonly found in plutonic felsic rocks. Because of its physical resistibility to weathering and metamorphism, it is also often found in metamorphic and sedimentary rocks. zircon is an orthosilicate and therefore is made up of isolated silica tetrahedra with zirconium ions filling in the gaps. This common structure allows zircon to incorporate many trace elements, such as thorium and uranium. Zircons long physical and chemical durability and the trace elements give rise to its use in geochronology. Thorium in zircon retain chemical record high-temperature events, while radioactive uranium isotope is used for dating. Other various properties of zircon make it good for industrial use, such as refractory bricks in glass production. Because of its wide variety of colors, zircon is also made into gemstones. Zircon is also the major source for zirconium.
Faculty Sponsor
Tasha Dunn
Sponsoring Department
Colby College. Geology Dept.
CLAS Field of Study
Natural Sciences
Event Website
http://www.colby.edu/clas
ID
152
Included in
Zircon: Tiny Crystals with Long History and Big Uses
Parker-Reed, SSWAC
The first known written record about zircon dates back to c.1400. Zircon forms in felsic magmas and thus is commonly found in plutonic felsic rocks. Because of its physical resistibility to weathering and metamorphism, it is also often found in metamorphic and sedimentary rocks. zircon is an orthosilicate and therefore is made up of isolated silica tetrahedra with zirconium ions filling in the gaps. This common structure allows zircon to incorporate many trace elements, such as thorium and uranium. Zircons long physical and chemical durability and the trace elements give rise to its use in geochronology. Thorium in zircon retain chemical record high-temperature events, while radioactive uranium isotope is used for dating. Other various properties of zircon make it good for industrial use, such as refractory bricks in glass production. Because of its wide variety of colors, zircon is also made into gemstones. Zircon is also the major source for zirconium.
https://digitalcommons.colby.edu/clas/2014/program/215