
One of the varieties of sapphire is the star sapphire, which differs from the first due to the phenomenon called asterism present on the surface of the stone when direct light is shone on it.
Characteristics of star sapphire
To obtain this effect in the stone, the sapphire must be cabochon cut, so as to collect the light and then return it to the outside in different ways. This characteristic is called asterism.
In practice, by pointing a light source at the stone, a sort of 6-armed white/grey star appears. This phenomenon depends on the inclusions present inside the stone.
The star sapphire is a stone that, contrary to what you might think, forms naturally, and is a variety of corundum with needle-like inclusions that cause the formation of this star on the surface.
The colors of star sapphire
High-quality star sapphires are quite rare and therefore valuable stones. One of the characteristics that leads to its rarity is the color of the stone.
Some colors are more common than others such as black, blue/grey and pink sapphire. On the contrary, the rarest and most precious colors are yellow and orange.
The beauty of a star sapphire is due to the fact that the star is visible on the stone, usually in a central position and in continuous lines. If the star appears broken or barely visible, the value of the sapphire will drop.
Origin of the star sapphire
The best star sapphires come from Sri Lanka and Myanmar, but can also be found in Canada, Thailand, Cambodia and India.
For any consultancy or to view the stones, come and visit us in our showroom in via Giolitti 7 bis, in the center of Turin, a stone’s throw from Piazza San Carlo. Or call us on 011 540689 or write to us at info@viranogioielli.it.
Virano Gioielli, 100 years of craftsmanship.










