Star Sapphire

Star Sapphire

Star Sapphires display an incredibly beautiful six (or twelve) rays star. The stars are caused by the light reflecting from small needle-like rutile inclusions aligned perpendicularly to the rays of the star. This unique optical phenomenon is called asterism. Star Sapphires are available in a plethora of colors and highly desired for its uniqueness, beauty, rarity and durability.

Star Sapphire Quality & Price

The quality and value of any stone is evaluated on certain parameters.

  • Origin -

    Naturally occurring Star Sapphires are very rare and are predominantly found in Sri Lanka. Star Sapphires have also been found in Burma, Cambodia and India but Sapphires from the Ceylon Sri Lankan region display a well-defined star effect.
  • Colour -

    Star Sapphire is found in various shades of blue, grey, pink, purple, brown, green, yellow and orange in nature. Blue Star Sapphires are the most common while orange and yellow are very uncommon. Colour Changing Star Sapphires also exist but are exceptionally rare. The value of Star Sapphires is affected by the intensity and attractiveness of the body colour along with the strength and sharpness of the star.
  • Clarity -

    Star Sapphires have needle-like inclusions that cause the star phenomenon in them. An ideal Star Sapphire would have enough rutile for a well-defined star without compromising the stone’s transparency but Star sapphires rarely have the combination of a fine translucent or transparent color and a sharply defined star.
  • Cut -

    Star Sapphires are cut in smooth domed cabochon shape to bring out the star effect. Cuts which have a bright properly oriented star are highly rare and valuable.

Frequently Asked Questions About Star Sapphire

Star Sapphire is the birthstone for which month?

Star Sapphire is the birthstone for the month of September.

Which country produces the best natural Star Sapphire?

Naturally occurring Star Sapphires are exceptionally rare and are found in Sri Lanka, Burma, Cambodia and India. Star Sapphires like any other Sapphire are predominantly found in Ceylon (Sri Lanka) and the stones from this country are most desired as they exhibit a well-defined natural star effect.

Who can wear Star Sapphire?

Star Sapphire is highly desired and prized for its uniqueness and rarity. It is not an astrological stone, so it can be worn without the recommendation of an astrologer. There are no restrictions or limitations in wearing it.

What causes the star-like effect (asterism) in Star Sapphires?

Star Sapphires have tiny needle-like rutile inclusions arranged in three (or six) sets of parallel needles that intersect one another at 60 degree angles. The star-effect or ‘asterism’ is an optical phenomenon caused by light reflecting from the rutile inclusions. This is due to the relatively higher refractive index of the material of the Sapphire than that of the tiny fibers of rutile silk. The star effect may also be caused by the inclusions of hematite which is commonly seen in Black Star Sapphires. Additionally, the star is most visible when illuminated with a single light source such as a flashlight or bright sunlight. The star also moves across the stone as the light moves.

How to distinguish a real Star Sapphire from a fake Star Sapphire?

There are many man-made Star Sapphires in the market as Natural Star Sapphires are rare and highly sought after. Given below are a few factors on which one can distinguish between the two. A natural Star Sapphire does not have a “perfect” star. The “legs” of the star in a Natural Sapphire are not all identical. Some are brighter, longer or straighter than others. Natural Star Sapphires have visible imperfections within the stone. Additionally, there is a simple test that can be performed. The star in a fake Sapphire will stay stationary when shining a flashlight on it and moving in a circle while the star in a natural Sapphire will follow the light source. It is though recommended to buy stones from a certified Gemologist who is providing a Gem Identification Report from a reputed laboratory.
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