What is A Blue Star Sapphire

Every gem, or any type of product for that matter, always has a unique version, which is somewhat rarer, more beautiful or special, and valuable than its counterpart. When it comes to sapphire, "star sapphire" falls into this category because it is unusual and highly sought after. Sapphire is famous for its blue variety, but there are also many other colors, such as pink, yellow, and green sapphires. Those familiar with this term will know that the name "star" refers to the star-like phenomenon that exists in some stones. It can also appear in rubies called "Star Rubies".

What Makes the Star in a Star Sapphire

The phenomena known as asterism makes starlight sapphire a  true marvel.. Star sapphire belongs to the type of gem called corundum. Corundum is chemically made from alumina. However, in the natural formation process, there may be traces of foreign matter, such as titanium oxide, also known as rutile, contained in the corundum.

needle like rutile that creates the star

These rutiles grow almost like fine needles inside the corundum. These tiny needle-shaped gem rutiles will reflect light and produce light when exposed to light, thus giving birth to a bright star.
In other words the asterism of a sapphire occurs due to the inclusions usually caused by a mineral called rutile. The needle-like inclusions magically form a star.

How to Select a Star Sapphire

Judging a good star sapphire is almost always subjective. But some basic parameters need to be established to help judge the quality of a star sapphire.


Almost all natural star sapphires have some natural defects: streaks or color lines exposed from the top, or uneven bottom. These are usually good indicators that you have natural star sapphires. A natural star may have one or more legs that are different in length from the others, or it may not be that all legs are completely straight. In addition, the stars on the natural star sapphire should move with the light. If the star sapphire looks too perfect, then it may be synthetic.

Star Sapphire Color

The color range of star sapphire can range from various shades of blue to pink, orange, yellow, green, lavender, gray and black. The colorants in blue sapphire are iron and titanium, while the colorants in violet to purple gemstones are vanadium. Small amounts of iron will produce more yellow and green hues, while chromium will produce pink to red hues. Iron and vanadium produce golden to orange hues. The most ideal color is bright, strong blue.
In addition to blue sapphires, the main gemstone colors include:

  • Yellow Sapphire (sometimes also called “Golden Sapphire” if intensely colored)
  • Pink Sapphire
  • White Sapphire (describes Sapphire that is colorless)
  • Green Sapphire
  • Purple Sapphire
  • Orange Sapphire
  • Black Sapphire

How to Cut Star Sapphire

Unlike multi-faceted sapphires such as blue and rubies, star sapphires should be cut into cabochons to form stars. The cabochon is a polished high dome widely used for moonstones and stars.


The exquisite cabochon should be symmetrical in its top view, and even if it is slightly inclined, it should have a suitable height to show the stars. Therefore, cabochons tend to have a high height, so please make sure that it can be installed correctly on the jewelry setting. On the other hand, a cabochon that is cut too shallow may be too transparent to produce clear stars.

Star Sapphire Clarity and Luster

Star sapphires are usually opaque. Some finer specimens may show slight translucency. Starlight sapphire has ideal starlight due to its perfectly arranged needle-shaped rutile inclusions. The rutile inclusions in star sapphire produce a glassy to silky luster when cut and polished.

Star Sapphire Jewelry Design Ideas

In ancient times, the star sapphire was regarded as a powerful amulet that could guide all kinds of travelers and seekers. Star sapphire is one of the most durable materials and can be worn every day in almost any gem jewelry application, including rings, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, pendants, brooches and brooches that are worn daily.

Star Sapphire Origin

Star sapphires are mainly found in Sri Lanka, but there are also high-quality blue star sapphires from Myanmar. Black star sapphires have been discovered in Cambodia and India. Talking about Burma, rubies also come from this famous place.

Star Sapphire Jewelry Care

Do not put the star sapphire in the jeweler’s ultrasonic or steamer. When there are cracks that reach the surface, the polishing agent may enter the cracks and reduce the clarity of the star sapphire. Solvents may remove crack fillers or stains, reducing the clarity or color of the star sapphire. Clean the star sapphire with warm water and mild soap.

Before exercising, cleaning, or engaging in vigorous sports activities, be sure to remove any jewelry or gems. Store star sapphire separately from other gems to avoid scratches and avoid exposing it to acid. It is best to wrap the gems in a soft cloth or put them in a jewelry box lined with fabric.

Fascinated by star sapphire? Here you can explore more about sapphire jewelry.