Black star sapphires are some of the most fascinating and captivating gemstones in the world. With their distinctive star-shaped pattern, they make a bold statement in any piece of jewelry. But why do some sapphires look black? In this blog post, we’ll explore the origin of the black star sapphire and why it looks the way it does.
The Various Colors Of Sapphires
When discussing the various colors of sapphires, one should not overlook the stunning beauty of black spinel. Black spinel is a gemstone that is often mistaken for sapphire due to its deep, velvety black hue. Although it is often confused with sapphire, there are a few key differences between these two gems.
Black spinel is actually a mixture of magnesium and iron, while sapphires are composed of aluminum oxide and trace elements like chromium, iron, titanium, and vanadium. The combination of these elements gives sapphires their range of color, from yellow to pink to even black.
Black spinel has a slightly different composition than sapphire and has a unique shimmery luster that makes it stand out from other gemstones. Its deep black color gives off an air of mystery and can look stunning when paired with gold or platinum jewelry.
Black spinel is a great choice for anyone looking for a unique gemstone with a dark and mysterious feel. While it may look similar to sapphire, its properties make it a truly special and distinct gem.
What Gives Sapphires Their Color?
When it comes to black sapphires, many people are surprised to learn that these gems are not actually sapphires at all. Most often, they are actually Black Spinel, a different type of gemstone that is frequently mistaken for sapphire due to its similar color.
Black Spinel is an interesting gemstone, as it can appear in a variety of shades and hues of black. It is most often found in Sri Lanka and Thailand, and its unique properties allow it to absorb light from all directions, which makes it appear completely black in the absence of strong lighting.
Black Spinel is typically less expensive than sapphire, and its hardness of 8 on the Mohs scale makes it very durable. This makes it an ideal choice for jewelry and other ornamental pieces. Its luster is also quite attractive and has been said to resemble that of glass, making it a popular choice among jewelry makers.
For those who are interested in obtaining a black gemstone, it is important to remember that while Black Spinel looks similar to sapphire, they are two distinct stones. While both have a very deep hue, there is no mistaking the appearance of a genuine sapphire when compared to a Black Spinel.
The Role Of Trace Elements
Black spinel is a mineral that has similar properties to sapphires and is often found alongside them. Its composition includes magnesium, iron, and other trace elements, which give it its unique black color. Black spinel can be cut into faceted gems or cabochons and used in jewelry. As black spinel and sapphire have similar chemical compositions. The trace elements that make black spinel black can also cause some sapphires to appear black. This is why some sapphires look black. The same trace elements that make up black spinel are also present in these sapphires.
The Formation Of Black Star Sapphires
Black Star Sapphires are a rare type of sapphire that appear black in color. While this may seem strange, these gems are actually composed of many minerals, such as spinel, corundum, and zircon. The combination of these minerals and their alignment creates the beautiful star-like effect that gives the gem its name.
One of the most important components of Black Star Sapphires is black spinel. This mineral is usually found in basaltic rocks and has a Mohs hardness of 8. Its distinctive black hue comes from its iron content, which helps to create the unique appearance of the stone. Black Spinel has also been used in jewelry since ancient times and is believed to have spiritual healing properties.
The inclusion of Black Spinel in Black Star Sapphires helps to create the optical phenomenon known as asterism. Which is what gives these sapphires their star-like appearance. When light hits the stone, it reflects off of the inclusions, creating a star shape in the center of the gem.
The Uniqueness Of Each Sapphire
Sapphires come in a wide range of colors, from pink to green and everything in between. Some sapphires are even known to have a deep, almost black coloration, which can be incredibly attractive. The reason for this unique color is due to the presence of other minerals within the stone, such as Black Spinel.
Black Spinel is a mineral found within sapphires that contains high levels of iron, chromium, and titanium. This combination gives the stone a dark hue, which can range from an intense blue-black to an almost-black purple color. The presence of Black Spinel within a sapphire adds a unique depth and richness to the gemstone. Making it one of the most sought after varieties of sapphire available today.
These Black Star Sapphires are truly beautiful and can be cut into any number of different shapes. Allowing them to make stunning pieces of jewelry. It’s not just their aesthetic beauty that makes them so desirable; these gems are also believed to possess healing properties. Many believe that these Black Star Sapphires bring strength and protection to those who wear them.
No matter what the reasons behind the unique color of these stones. It’s no wonder why so many people are drawn to them. With their rich black hue, Black Star Sapphires offer something truly unique and special. Making them a great choice for any jewelry collection.