An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

A common mineral, zirconium silicate, ZrSiO₄, occurring in small tetragonal crystals. The color is variable, usually brown to reddish brown, but also colorless, pale yellowish, green, or blue. A red variety, used as a gem, is called hyacinth. Zircon contains trace amounts of uranium and thorium and therefore can be used for radiometric datings. Also called jargon.

See also: From Ger. Zirkon, from Ar. zarqun “cinnabar, bright red,” from Pers. zargun “gold-colored,” from zar→ gold

• -gun “resembling; manner, fashion; color”
  (Mid.Pers. gônak “kind, species;” Av. gaona- “color”).