The Star of Asia is a remarkable and legendary sapphire with a storied history.Ā It is a large, 330 carats (66 g) cabochon-cut star sapphire now in the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. It is noted for its significant size and is considered to be one of the largest of its type. Adding to its aesthetic value are its rich blue colour and clear star, formed from three intersecting rutile striations.
The exact origins of the Star of Asia are a bit murky, but it is believed to have been mined in Burma (now Myanmar),Ā a region renowned for producing some of the finest and most valuable sapphires,Ā sometime in the early 20th century. It eventually made its way to Sri Lanka, where it was co-owned by the Kohinoor Trading Company and King's Jewelers of Colombo. In 1961, the stone was acquired by the Smithsonian Institution through an exchange.
The Star of Asia is noted for its deep blue color and prominent asterism. Normally star sapphires and rubies show a star pattern due to titanium dioxide impurities (rutile) within them. The star-effect, called "asterism," happens because of the difference in refractive index between the gemstone and the dense inclusions of tiny rutile fibers, often referred to as "silk".Ā It appears on the surface of the gemstone when viewed under direct light.
The Star of Asia is a truly magnificent gem, and it is no wonder that it has captured the imagination of people for centuries. Its beauty and rarity make it a priceless treasure.Ā It is rumored that the Star of Asia once belonged to the Maharajah of Jodhpur, a prominent figure in Indian royalty. This connection adds to the gemstone's mystique and allure.
The Star of Asia is part of the Smithsonian Institution's National Gem and Mineral Collection in Washington, D.C. It is displayed in the National Museum of Natural History, where it attracts numerous visitors and gem enthusiasts.
- Photo Credit:Ā Chip Clark, Smithsonian Institution National Museum of Natural History
Sapphires, especially star sapphires, have been linked to symbols like wisdom, virtue, and good luck. The Star of Asia, with its royal history and stunning beauty, perfectly represents these traits.
Besides its beauty and historical importance, the Star of Asia fascinates gemologists and mineralogists because of its size, quality, and rare star effect (asterism). The Star of Asia continues to enchant viewers, whether because of its beauty, its connection to Indian royalty, or its scientific interest.