Sapphire: Thai Blue Star
If emerald represents the earth's body and ruby is its blood, then sapphire must be its soul. The Thai blue star sapphire is a variety of sapphire that displays a six-pointed star pattern, radiating from the inky depths of the stone.
Sapphire, along with her sister gemstone ruby, belongs to the corundum group of gemstones, considered one of the hardest minerals on Earth. The name sapphire is from the Latin "sapphirus" meaning blue. There are different types of sapphire available in the market and most of them have unique qualities pursued by many. A select few sapphires have the ability to display a star-like spectacle referred as asterism. This star can appear in any color but typically occurs in blue, black and pink gemstones. Thai blue star sapphire also exhibits pleochroism, meaning it appears different colors when viewed from different angles. The opaque Thai blue star sapphire is carved with a rounded cabochon cut to accentuate its shining asterism properties. The word asterism comes from the Greek word "aster" meaning star. Needle-shaped microscopic inclusions within the gem naturally align to reflect a six-pointed star. The blazing effects of asterism are strongest on the face of the gem when observed in daytime. Only about three out of every 100 raw sapphires exhibit the star-effect. Of those three gems, only one will meet the standards to be called top quality. Since it is so rare to find this gemstone in its natural occurring form, our blue star sapphires undergo a diffusion treatment to enhance the asterism effect. This is a widely accepted practice in the gem industry, and diffusion is applied mostly to a surface depth of about half a millimeter into the gemstone.
- A symbol of nobility or a noble soul, sapphire is historically recognized as a gem of monarchs, class and affluence.
- Ancient accounts allege that the Ten Commandments were inscribed on tablets of sapphire.
- Early Persians believed that the heaven was a sapphire.
- The explorer Marco Polo mentioned spotting sapphires during voyage to the island of modern-day Sri Lanka in a book recounting his journeys.
- Sapphires are associated with good fortune, goodness, sacredness, knowledge, honesty and loyalty.
- The British Crown Jewels features huge sapphires meant to imply an astute ruler with high moral standards.
- In Greek mythology, Prometheus, the Titan who molded man from clay and gave him the gift of fire, was the first to wear sapphire. • Sapphire is associated with the planet Saturn.
- Star sapphires are called the "Stones of Destiny," and the star visible in the gemstone represents destiny, faith and hope.
- Sapphire may guard against injury, toxic vibes and evil thoughts.
- Star sapphires aid in meditation and extend mental focus and knowledge.
LOCATION: Thailand
We acquire Thai blue star sapphire from the Kanchanaburi mines of Thailand. This mine produces some of the most prized and magnificent sapphires in the world. With mining operations dating back to the 15th century, an estimated 70 percent of all sapphire passes through Thailand before reaching the global market. As the result of centuries of mining, supply is in a significant decline. The Siam Mining Act in 1919 also set a limit for gem extraction in this area, and even with its revision in 1987, sapphire production is still at a slow pace.
- Ranks 9 on the Mohs hardness scale.
- Color displays blue with a six-pointed star.
- Sourced from Thailand.
- Member of the corundum family.
- Birthstone for September.
- Traditional gift for 5th and 45th wedding anniversaries.
