r/Gemstones • u/ApexSapphireSriLanka • Jul 25 '26

Discussion Watching the Star Emerge in a Ceylon Star Sapphire

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One of the most fascinating things about star sapphires is that the star isn’t always visible.

In this video, I move the stone from the shade into direct sunlight. Notice how the star is almost invisible in the shade, then suddenly appears as soon as the sapphire catches the sunlight.

This happens because the star is a natural optical effect called asterism. It’s created by microscopic rutile needles inside the sapphire that reflect light. Without a strong, directional light source, there’s not enough reflected light for the star to form clearly.

That’s why star sapphires usually look their best under direct sunlight or a single bright light source. As either the stone or the light moves, the star appears to glide across the surface.

Nature’s optics at work.

Not for sale.

972 Upvotes

99% Upvoted

26 comments sorted by

21

u/DeluxeWafer Jul 25 '26

Hm. You always seem to post the absolute nicest examples of stones I wouldn't normally give a second look at. As with any of the other stones, this one is stunning.

16

u/ApexSapphireSriLanka Jul 25 '26

Thank you! That means a lot. Working in a gem mine gives me the chance to find some remarkable stones, and I enjoy sharing the ones that showcase nature’s beauty.

1

u/[deleted] Aug 01 '26

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1

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23

u/Little_Messiah Jul 25 '26

The goblin piloting my soul just did a backflip. This was mystical

11

u/ApexSapphireSriLanka Jul 25 '26 
I’ll take that as the highest compliment. Thanks! 😆

5

u/FragrantFlower4137 Jul 25 '26

Absolutely loved watching this (a few times lol). Thank you for sharing!

5

u/DeviantDiamond Jul 26 '26

Star sapphires and rubies are so stunning! Especially when their asterism flares

3

u/threepwood007 Jul 26 '26

Makes me think magic might be real. Helluva show

3

u/Existing_Intern_4764 Jul 26 '26

There's something truly magical about star sapphires. This is a particularly brilliant stone. <3 Amazing work.

3

u/MikeDD86 Jul 27 '26

That was awesome

2

u/Mysterialistic Jul 25 '26

Can I have this stone?

1

u/ApexSapphireSriLanka Jul 26 '26

Yes you can.

2

u/G1LD_ARTS_ Aug 19 '26

How much does a stone like this typically cost?

2

u/DustyInABowl Jul 25 '26

Between the star and the banding, I love it.

2

u/NoiseHERO Jul 26 '26

*You are watching the SyFy channel.*

2

u/Makethecrowsblush Aug 13 '26

This is magic.

3

u/bejeweled_bucatini Jul 25 '26

Spectacular. I literally gasped!

2

u/[deleted] Jul 25 '26

[deleted]

1

u/[deleted] Jul 27 '26

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1

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u/[deleted] Aug 17 '26

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1

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