Aquarius Birthstone - Blue Sapphire

Related Pages:

• Sapphire Properties
  
  Know more about the physical and chemical properties of Sapphire such as composition, color etc.
  
• Sapphire History and Geography
  
  Some interesting facts about Sapphire such as where it is found, stories from
  history and mythology, and its healing properties.
  
• Buying and Caring for Sapphire Jewelry
  
  Tips for Buying Sapphire Jewelry and taking care of Sapphire Jewelry
  
  

Some of the most exquisite among the famous gemstones are blue sapphires. Here are some of them.

Star of India Sapphire: The Star of India is a 563.35 carat (112.67 g) star sapphire, one of the largest such gems in the world. (The Black Star of Queensland is believed to be the largest star sapphire at 733 carats.[1]) It is almost flawless and unusual in that it has stars on both sides of the stone. The greyish blue gem was mined in Sri Lanka and is now kept in the American Museum of Natural History in New York City.

The milky quality of the stone is caused by the traces of the mineral rutile, which is also responsible for the star effect, known as the effect of asterism. The tiny fibers of the mineral, aligned in a three-fold pattern within the gem, reflect incoming light into the star pattern.

Queen Marie Sapphire: This cushion-shaped blue sapphire of Sri Lankan origin, weighing 478.68 carats, was once part of a grand Cartier necklace. King Ferdinand of Romania purchased the necklace for his consort, Queen Marie (1875 to 1938), who wore it at the 1922 coronation of her husband. The necklace was subsequently dismantled, and the sapphire sold.Queen Marie of Romania's sapphire is the largest sapphire ever presented at auction and with its genuine beauty and fascinating history becomes what can indisputably be termed a unique jewel.This giant rectangular cushion-shaped sapphire is somewhat more narrow at one end than the other,creating a sort of drop effect


Logan Sapphire: The Logan sapphire is a flawless specimen from Sri Lanka, possesses a rich blue color and is the second largest (blue) sapphire known, weighing 423 carats (84.6 g).

The Logan sapphire is named after Mrs. John Logan, who donated the gemstone to the Smithsonian Institution in 1960.

The cushion-cut stone is one of the world's most famous sapphires and is set in a brooch surrounded by 20 round brilliant cut diamonds weighing in total 16 carats (3.2 g). It is currently on display at the National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C.