|
In our own country fine sapphires have been found in Yogo Gulch, Montana. These stones have a fine electric blue tint, and the larger sizes which are occasionally found are very valuable, approaching in price the oriental.
Most of the Montana sapphires which are found near Helena are small,--one carat and less,--but are of a very uniform color and are especially suited to be cut into round stones. The Montana sapphires have been known since 1865, but the mines were first systematically worked in 1891. Since that time they have always been by far the most valuable gem-mineral resource of the United States.
Star Sapphire Cutting and Formation
An exceedingly beautiful and interesting variation in gems is the star sapphire and star ruby. These are very valuable when the star marking is well defined and shows a fine, six-pointed star, which is always more clearly defined when seen under an artificial light. Star sapphires and rubies are always cut cabochon, with the center of the star at the apex of the cabochon. What causes the formation of the star is not definitely known, but it is probably due to the presence of a foreign substance in the sapphire or ruby. |
You are here:
JJKent Home >>
Precious Stones Guide Vol 3
>> About Star Sapphires and the Discovery of Montana Sapphires
| <<Location and Physical Characteristics of Sapphires | About Rubies and Sapphires in History>> |