Star Ruby
Star Ruby
“Ruby” derives from the Latin “rubens”/”ruber” which means “red.” The universally acknowledged synonym for ruby is “red” gemstone, even though there are also rubies in shades of pink and purplish-red. Rubies were apparently first worn in the breastplates of high priests centuries ago. They have never lost their place as precious jewels that are considered to have historical significance, potent physical properties and monetary value beyond compare.
Star Ruby shows asterism, a six-rayed star that shimmers over the surface of the stone when it is moved. Ruby is red corundum, all other color varieties of corundum being referred to as sapphire. Corundum is the second hardest substance on the Mohs scale, with a rating of nine.
The six legs of the star should be sharp (not wide and blurry) and centered. The main ray should run lengthwise. The star should be silvery or milky white. From a clarity standpoint, the stone should be semi-transparent. A star cannot be completely transparent because it is the rutile that causes the star. A star must be properly cut to create a six rayed star. The stone should not be too flat on the top or too heavy on the bottom. Many bottoms of stars look almost unfinished. This is because the gems are so rare that the cutters do everything to save weight and assume they will be mounted anyway.