What Is A Star Sapphire Stone

Sapphires are one of the few gemstones that produce a star shape of four to six light reflecting rays across the center of a cut stone.

What is a star sapphire stone. Parti sapphires show two or more colors. The star of bombay is a stunning oval star sapphire 182 carats in size. Very typical of the star sapphire is the optical effect of asterism. Star sapphire value see our article called phenomenal gems to read more about the grading and valuation of stones with asterism.

When viewing star sapphire a six rayed star will appear to float across the surface of the stone. Rarely when sapphires are cut in cabochon they can demonstrate a cat s eye effect. Works as a relaxing agent during times of extreme physical exertion. Star sapphires usually have six ray stars but twelve ray stars are also known.

The international gem society igs has a list of businesses offering gemstone appraisal services. Blue star sapphire ceylon good star si vvs type ii 1 000 to 3 000 per carat. Star sapphire is rare variety of sapphire that exhibits a rare asterism under specific lighting. Sapphire is a precious gemstone a variety of the mineral corundum consisting of aluminum oxide α al 2 o 3 with trace amounts of elements such as iron titanium chromium vanadium or magnesium it is typically blue but natural fancy sapphires also occur in yellow purple orange and green colors.

Fine colored sapphire with a deep blue color and excellent transparency can reach several thousand dollars a carat the blue variety is most often used in jewelry but the yellow pink and orange fancies have recently become very popular. The size color and clarity of the stone are of course just as important as they are with other stones. Just like any kind of gem the quality of a star sapphire varies depending upon a number of factors. This effect displays a thin band of light down the centre of the stone and is known as chatoyancy.

Sapphire is one of the most popular gemstones and is used extensively in jewelry. The effect is best viewed under a direct light source and while tilting and rotating the stone from different angles. With its perfect color cut and luminous star the lab made lindy or linde star sapphire is just too good to be natural. The ideal star sapphire would be entirely transparent but the rutile silk that causes the star phenomenon ensures that every star sapphire is to some degree included.