Baddeleyite
ID: baddeleyite
ZrO2
Description
Baddeleyite is a naturally occurring mineral composed of zirconium dioxide (ZrO2). It is characterized by a monoclinic crystal system, typically manifesting as prismatic structures. Optically, the mineral exhibits high refractive indices and varies in appearance from transparent to translucent, with coloration spanning from colorless states to hues of yellow, green, and dark brown. Within ceramic science, baddeleyite serves as a primary source of zirconia, a high-performance refractory material valued for its chemical stability, significant hardness, and resistance to thermal shock in advanced technical ceramics and specialized glaze formulations.