Zircon is one of the few minerals with both industrial and gemstone applications. As an industrial mineral, it is essential for ceramics, foundry sands and refractories. As a gemstone, its high refractive index and brilliance make it a favourite among jewellers. This guide explains what buyers need to know when sourcing Nigerian zircon.
Nigeria's Zircon Deposits
Nigerian zircon occurs in heavy mineral sands and alluvial deposits, often alongside other valuable minerals such as ilmenite, rutile and monazite. The country's deposits represent a significant untapped resource for international buyers.
Two Product Categories
- Industrial zircon sand: Sized 0.1–0.6 mm, for ceramics, foundry, refractories and chemicals
- Gemstone zircon: Faceted or rough, for jewellery and collector markets
Quality Specifications (Industrial)
- ZrO₂ content: ≥ 65%
- SiO₂: 32–34%
- Fe₂O₃: ≤ 0.1%
- TiO₂: ≤ 0.3%
- Moisture: ≤ 0.3%
- Size: 0.1–0.6 mm standard or as specified
Quality Specifications (Gemstone)
- Colour: Colourless, blue, yellow, green or brown
- Clarity: Eye-clean to VS
- Size range: 1 ct to 20+ ct
- Hardness: 7.5 Mohs
- Refractive index: 1.92–1.96
Applications & Uses
- Ceramics — zircon opacifier and glaze component
- Foundry sands — high-temperature resistance for precision casting
- Refractories — zircon bricks and castables for furnaces
- Chemicals — zirconium chemicals and catalysts
- Jewellery — gemstone zircon for rings, earrings and pendants
Export Documentation
- Commercial Invoice and Packing List
- Certificate of Origin
- Mineral Title / Mining Licence
- Assay / Chemical Analysis Report (industrial) or Gemstone Identification Report (gems)
- Bill of Lading or air waybill
Logistics & Packaging
Industrial zircon: 1 MT jumbo bags, ~25 MT per 20 ft FCL. Gemstone zircon: secure gem parcels, air freight (insured).
Choosing a Reliable Supplier
- Operates under a valid mineral title
- Provides independent quality reports
- Has a track record of on-time shipments
- Offers transparent Incoterms and quality guarantees
DCCNL Nigeria Limited supplies both industrial and gem-quality zircon with full documentation and reliable logistics. Contact our export desk for pricing and availability.