STAR SAPPHIRE

A Sapphire that exhibits a star-like phenomenon known as 'asterism', is called a Star Sapphire.  Star sapphires contain intersecting needle-like inclusions (often the mineral rutile, a mineral composed primarily of 'titanium dioxide'  that cause the appearance of a six-rayed "star" shaped pattern when viewed with a single overhead light source. The value of a Star Sapphire gemstyone depends on the body color, visibility and intensity of the asterism.  Star Sapphire gemstones are found in Sri Lanka, India, Thailand, Australia and Madagascar.