Star Sapphire

Star sapphires are a type of sapphire that exhibit a star-like phenomenon known as asterism. This is caused by the presence of needle-like inclusions of the mineral rutile, which reflect light in such a way as to create a six-pointed star pattern. Here are some characteristics of star sapphires:

• They are a type of corundum mineral, which also includes rubies.

• They are usually blue in color, but can also be found in pink, yellow, green, and black.

• The asterism in star sapphires is most visible under a single light source, such as a flashlight or lamp.

• The value of a star sapphire depends on the intensity and sharpness of the star, as well as the quality of the underlying sapphire.

Some of the most famous star sapphires in the world include:

• The Star of India: This is a 563-carat grayish-blue star sapphire that is one of the largest and most famous in the world. It is currently housed in the American Museum of Natural History in New York City.

• The Black Star of Queensland: This is a 733-carat black star sapphire that is the largest of its kind in the world. It was discovered in Australia in the 1930s and is currently owned by an anonymous collector.

• The Star of Bombay: This is a 182-carat blue star sapphire that was given to actress Mary Pickford by her husband Douglas Fairbanks Sr. in the 1920s. It is now part of the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History's collection.

Burma and Sri Lanka are particularly known for producing high-quality star sapphires.