When the famous Cambodian zircon gemstones are first dug out of the ground, they tend to be dark in color, often an earthy brown hue. Brown Cambodian zircon can be cut as it is, yielding a translucent brown (or brownish) stone that looks quite stunning in a necklace, ring, or other type of accessory. Certain brown zircons from Cambodia may be more red or orange or even yellowish in color, and heating it via various techniques may change the brown somewhat (this is how the famous blue Cambodian zircon is made).
Map of Cambodia showing Pailin and Ratanakiri Provinces.
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Cambodian zircon comes primarily from two regions of the Southeast Asian country — the small Pailin Province on the western border with Thailand, and Ratanakiri Province in the northeast, bordering Laos and Vietnam. Brown zircon may come from either place, though Ratanakiri tends to be the higher-producing and more popular of the two.
When shopping for a brown zircon — either set in an item of jewelry or as a loose gemstone — study the colors and, if cut, the facets and design on the piece you are thinking of buying. With as many shades as there are stones, you can choose the brown that best suits your tastes with some patience and by looking carefully at the beautiful brown stones that sellers are currently able to offer you.
