Star Ruby (Surya Kant Manik)

Quality

The quality of Star Ruby is primarily defined by its origin, color, cut, clarity and quality of the star effect (in terms of intensity, sharpness, and position of the star). A before-hand knowledge of all these factors is always helpful in buying the best quality Star Ruby gemstone in a convenient way.

• Origin

  – Star ruby crystals are resourced from the ruby mines of Burma (Myanmar), Sri Lanka (Ceylon), India, Madagascar and Tanzania. The deep red color of Burmese star ruby, especially Mogok star ruby from Mogok mine of Burma is regarded as the most sought-after variety. It is closely followed by bright red Ceylonese rubies that usually exhibit a strong mesmerizing star effect. Sri-Lanka star rubies generally appear raspberry red whereas Indian star ruby is more likely to be violet to reddish brown in color.

• Color

  – Depending upon the ratio of iron and chromium element traces, star ruby crystal occurs in pink, red, purplish red and brownish red hue. Bright red star ruby, popularly known as the ‘pigeon blood red star ruby’ is regarded as the most valuable color variety. Uneven color distribution and presence of strips and spots degrade the color quality and thereby reduce the stone’s overall worth.

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• Quality of Star Effect

  – Star ruby contains fine needle-like, rutile inclusions which provide silky luster and lead to the formation of a luminous star design on the surface when light reflects upon it. The size, intensity and position of star decide the quality of this gemstone. Star ruby gemstone containing centrally placed, bright and continuous star design is the most valuable. Blur and broken star effect makes the stone less desirable.

• Clarity

  – Microscopic rutile inclusions are welcome in star ruby crystal as these inclusions are mainly responsible for the star effect and the silky luster. Since, this gemstone typically included so, transparency is least expected. Even the finest quality star ruby appears translucent to opaque. But the presence of black inclusions or spots can hamper the clarity and value of the stone.

• Cut

  – Star ruby is mostly available in cabochon cut (smooth, polished stone without any facets) unlike rubies, which are preferred in highly faceted cuts like round cut, oval cut, cushion cut. Lapidaries (gem cutters) often shape and polish the rough star ruby in medium to high-shaped dome to attain a perfect star effect. Too deep or too flat cabochons should be avoided as it disturbs the star formation.