star sapphire

noun

1. a sapphire, cut cabochon, exhibiting asterism in the form of a colorless six-rayed star.

star sapphire

noun

1. a sapphire showing a starlike figure in reflected light because of its crystalline structure

Word History and Origins

Origin of star sapphire¹

First recorded in 1795–1805

Example Sentences

The article quoted Thilak Weerasinghe, the chairman of the National Gem and Jewelry Authority of Sri Lanka, a government agency, as saying that it was “probably the biggest” star sapphire specimen in the world.

From New York Times

Sri Lankan authorities say the world's largest star sapphire cluster has been found in a backyard - by accident.

From BBC

Her fur color has been compared to Baked Alaska, and Mr. Lagerfeld declared that her eyes were like star sapphires.

From New York Times

As a gemologist, I learned that genuine star sapphires have tiny imperfections and inclusions that reflect light perfectly, thereby forming a star in the stone.

From Salon

A black star sapphire and diamond brooch was one of Nancy Reagan’s favorite, and she wore it to the 1977 Diana Vreeland opening at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

From Los Angeles Times