Zircon from the Harts Range, Northern Territory, Australia

Gem-quality zircon from a relatively underdeveloped locality in the Harts Range of central Australia is described. While exhibiting many properties of other gem zircons, this material is unusual in its almost total lack of radioactive trace elements. Thus, there is little or no radiation-related structural damage as is the case with some other gem zircons. The Harts Range material occurs in a size, quality, and color range suitable for faceting.