The Black Star Sapphire of Queensland

[melodysparks]

The Black Star Sapphire of Queensland, a photo by Melodysparks (Chris Preedy) on Flickr.

A brilliant six-point black star sapphire the The Black Star of Queensland, which is among the largest-known star sapphires in the world, and was on display for the first time anywhere in the world since 1969. The gem has been involved in several ownership disputes. The Black Star of Queensland was on display during the 1960s at the Smithsonian as part of a display with the Hope Diamond. Most recently, the sapphire was on display at the Royal Ontario Museum from 2 June through 2 December, 2007.

This incredible gem was found in the 1930s in the town of Anakie in Queensland, Australia. It weighed an amazing 1156 carats. It was purchased uncut by the Kazanjian Brothers in 1947 and later cut and polished to its present-day 733 carats. It is now surrounded by 35 sparkling diamonds in a white gold setting.

Currently, the sapphire is owned by an unknown private party and is not believed to be on public display.

A star sapphire is a type of sapphire that exhibits a star-like phenomenon known as asterism . Star sapphires contain intersecting needle-like inclusions (often the mineral rutile) 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 depends not only on the carat weight of the stone but also the body color, visibility and intensity of the asterism.

Taken in the Royal Ontario Museum Toronto in September 2007

Comments

[daisychains1957]

Looks like someone else is awake and can't sleep!

Nice pics though :D

[melodysparks.livejournal.com]

Yes I was suffering for a touch of insomnia although I only sleep for about four or five hours a night in general. I got a couple of hours sleep eventually.

Thank you about the pics

[tarlanx]

So beautiful!

[melodysparks.livejournal.com]

Thank you Its one of the most beeautiful stones I have seen,

[wild7orchid.livejournal.com]

It's such an amazing beauty! Great shot, dear. :))

[melodysparks.livejournal.com]

Oh it is its not on display now and that was the only time since the 60's it was on display.

If I remember correctly it was bigger than my fist and in a darkened room. I was not supposed to take a photograph but the guard didnt see me doing it until I tried to take another. He did ask that I didnt take any more but didnt ask me to delete it though.