A star sapphire is a variety of sapphire which exhibits a unique reflection, giving the impression of a star trapped within the stone. They have long been a highly coveted and prizes stone, used both for aesthetic purposes and as a talisman across centuries.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
“Padparadscha” is an ancient Sanskrit word used to describe the color of a tropical lotus flower. One of the rarest gemstones of the world, Padparadscha sapphires are rivaled by no other gemstone species or color substitute.
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.
A perfect star sapphire will feature a perfectly-centered star (when viewed from above) and each of the star's rays, or legs, should be equal in length. Each star ray should be clearly defined and not fuzzy, and should reach all the way to the stone's base without any gaps.
While among Christian populations, Star Sapphire has been called “The Stone of Destiny” for centuries, with the crossed lines symbolizing faith, hope and charity. In Sri Lanka, where many Star Sapphires have been found, they are believed to offer powerful protection against the evil eye and other forms of witchcraft.
Star Sapphire can be used to connect to/contact beings from the stars. It helps to bring clarity and understanding into the intentions of others. Star Sapphire can also bring a cheery disposition to any situation. In general, Sapphire is a stone of peace, tranquility, spiritual healing and spiritual truth.
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.
Vedic astrology says that in general, the people of Aries, Cancer, Leo, Scorpio, Sagittarius and Pisces should not wear Sapphire.
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 sapphires exhibit a special optical phenomenon called asterism. Tiny needles of silk within the sapphire crystal reflect light and form a star sapphire's telltale star. The most common star pattern is a 6-rayed star, although star sapphires with 4 rays and 12 rays have been found.
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.
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.
Caroline "Carol" Ferris is a fictional character appearing in the DC Comics Universe. She is one of many characters who has used the name Star Sapphire, and was the long-time love interest of Hal Jordan, the Silver Age Green Lantern.
Star sapphire birthstone is usually recommended to the people born within the month of september. It's also seemed because the 45th anniversary gemstone and makes an ideal gift for the couple. In alternate recovery treatments, Star sapphire is regarded as a robust recuperation gemstone.
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.