star sapphire gemstones

Exclusive summary about Star Sapphire Gemstones by Ron Nash

The most famous examples are star sapphire and star ruby. The value of a star gemstone depends on the clarity and distinctness of the star. Generally the star must be evaluated using a single source light such as a penlight; it is usually very difficult to see the star under diffused light. The most common stars are 4-ray and 6-ray, though 12-ray stars have been seen.

Color is also very important in a star gemstone. Ideally the color should be equivalent to a non-star specimen of the gem, but the presence of rutile in the stone tends to weaken the color. Burma and Sri Lanka are the most important sources for star ruby and star sapphire, though Thailand is famous for the black and gold star sapphires found only in Chanthaburi province. The synthetic gems tend to have perfect color and star so vivid and straight that it appears painted on the stone.

Star Sapphires - Something Different Again

Exclusive summary about Star Sapphire Gemstones by Gary Hocking

Star sapphires are different to your normal sapphire because they are not faceted. A cabochon is the rounded or domed smooth cut. The star effect comes from an inclusion. 99% of all sapphires are heat treated to enhance their colour. The value of a star sapphire or star ruby depends on the intensity of the body colour and the sharpness of the star. Star sapphires are rare but mainly because the stones are heat treated after mining and then cut with facets so the stars are never seen again. Stars are also found in other stones.

In ancient times star sapphires were particularly highly regarded as the star supposedly would assist travelers by being a guiding star.

Posting by Sefa di 14:38