Star sapphire is a type of sapphire that displays asterism, a star-like optical effect.
Star Sapphires are a unique variety of precious stone which showcases a mesmerizing star reflection when viewed under direct light. Over the last few decades, these valuable sapphires have become the gemstone of choice for all kinds of jewelry, including engagement rings.
Star Sapphire Specifications & Characteristics
The only internal difference is the needle-like inclusions that cause the titular star. Most asteriated sapphires get their “star” from inclusions of rutile or diaspore. The inclusions are small and needle-like in dense bunches that intersect in specific directions.
Star sapphires and star rubies are the rarest and most valuable stones of their type. The shifting star pattern that shines within them has an otherworldly quality -- perfectly symmetrical and shifting in the light.
Star sapphires are a type of sapphire that feature a star-like appearance known as an asterism, a word derived from the Latin “astrum,” which means “star.” While technically this asterism is an inclusion — so a flaw in the gemstone — this is one instance where a flaw is desirable.
The amount of rutile present in the sapphire also commonly known in the industry as 'silk' govern how much light that can pass through the stone. More silk means more opaqueness of the sapphire which tends to produce an inexpensive gemstone.
There are synthetics called "Lindy" or "Linde" Star Sapphires and are marked with an "L" on the bottom of the stone, so that's a surefire giveaway that this is a synthetic stone! Millions of these Lindy stones were manufactured in the mid-20th Century.
Blue Sapphires
Color has the greatest influence on a sapphire's value, and preferred sapphires have strong to vivid color saturation. The most valued blue sapphires are velvety blue to violetish blue, in medium to medium-dark tones. Sapphires with these qualities command the highest prices per carat.
What is the rarest sapphire color? The two rarest sapphire colors are Padparadscha and cornflower blue. The most prized sapphires are Kashmir sapphires of a bright, velvety blue from the mountains in India. The last Kashmir sapphire was mined in 1927.
Star Sapphire was a villain until she became a hero during Geoff Johns' Blackest Night comic series. Following that and the New 52 Reboot, she has become a hero.
A stone with a very transparent body is extremely rare and will fetch a high price. The best star Sapphires will have a blue transparent body with a nice deep blue colour and a sharp and vibrant star. These types of stones are extremely rare and can fetch tens of thousands of dollars.
According to astrology, the people of Taurus, Gemini, Virgo, Libra, Capricorn and Aquarius can wear Sapphire. Saturn has a friendly attitude with the owners of these zodiac signs and that is why wearing sapphire gives auspicious results to these zodiac signs.
According to legend, Helen of Troy owned a large star sapphire, which was believed to hold the key to her desirability. According to Apollodorus, she had at least thirty suitors vying for her hand.
The Star of India is 563.35 carats and is the world's largest gem-quality blue star sapphire. According to the American Museum of Natural History, the Star of India is some two billion years old and is one of the world's most well-known precious objects.
Star Sapphire has a cheerful and peaceful energy that can gently dispel depression and anxiety. It brings relationships into greater harmony and encourages clear communication between individuals. Star Sapphire reminds us that we must be true to ourselves and let our Light shine!
Kashmir blue sapphires are known to have a velvety or sleepy quality that is very desirable. Most experts would consider these gemstones to be the benchmark of both color and overall quality for blue sapphires.
Remember these 4 steps when looking for a good sapphire: choose “juicy”, even color; no glaring inclusions or visible “junk”; a well-proportioned cut appropriate for sapphire; and lastly carat size, which will be determined by your budget.
The yellow sapphire is one of the most powerful gemstones for attracting wealth and prosperity. Wearing this gemstone brings good fortune and prosperity to those who wear it. Increases revenues and good fortune for your company. For this reason, it is ideal for wearing on the index finger.
Star sapphires were a great favorite among the movie stars of the 1920's and 1930's. Silent-film actress Mary Pickford treasured a 182-carat star sapphire, the Star of Bombay, given to her by her husband Douglas Fairbanks, Sr.
They are found dominantly in Sri Lanka, but also fine blue star sapphires have come from Burma. Black star sapphires have been found in Cambodia and India.
The power rings of the Star Sapphire Corps are powered by the love's violet light. Like the Red Power Ring, it can affect its wearer's emotional state.
Exceptions include black star sapphires or stones that are heavily fractured or included. However, the best way to clean sapphire jewelry is with warm soapy water and a soft brush without soaking it. Avoid harsh detergents. Never clean your jewelry with solvents such as alcohol, acetone, or paint thinner.
The Sapphires were a group of women who had left the Lantern's central planet, Oa, in protest of the Guardians' decree that life must be lived without emotion. With a new purpose, the Star Sapphires joined many of the Green Lantern crossovers of the 2000s, usually as allies.
Though six-ray star sapphires are rare enough, there is even a more unusual stone. This one displays a twelve-ray star. The phenomenon occurs when two types of inclusions are present in the stone: the rutile mineral and platelets of hematite.