I Just Take Pictures

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