Natural zircon is one of gemology’s best-kept secrets — and one of Southeast Asia’s signature stones. Its exceptional refractive index and strong dispersion give well-cut zircons a fire and brilliance that rival diamond, at a fraction of the price. Cambodia’s Ratanakiri province produces the world’s most famous blue zircon, heat-treated from honey-brown crystals mined there for generations.Zircon should never be confused with cubic zirconia, a cheap synthetic: zircon is a genuine natural mineral (zirconium silicate), among the oldest crystals known on Earth. It measures 6.5–7.5 on the Mohs scale, with colors spanning blue, golden, honey, red and colorless.Buying zircon in Cambodia from a certified laboratory is buying it at the source. Every zircon at GEMIC Institute is tested and certified by our accredited gemologists in Siem Reap; listings show photos and video of the exact stone. Each gem is one of a kind, ships worldwide with tracking, and carries our 30-day inspection guarantee. For a specific size or shade of Ratanakiri blue, contact us directly.