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1. Indian star ruby is very common in the market. They are easily identified because of their nearly opaque quality and maroon color. Their red or purple color has a darkist tint in which gives them a brown or grey color.

2. Black sapphire is also a commonly found in the gem market. Most of the black sapphires are from Thailand and Australia.

3. Blue star sapphire.

4. Grey, white-based and Platinum color star sapphire.

Quality:

Background Color:

One of the factors to judge the quality of star corundum is background color of the stone. Red is the most highly desirable, and followed by blue. Purple, maroon, and black colors are of lower priced. The more intense and saturated the color is, the higher the quality. A hot red star ruby will cost more than a maroon or purple-red one. Platinum color star sapphire, which has a platinum silvery-blue background color, is also rare and highly desirable.

Star:

To judge the star, place it under a single source of light, and ask yourself the following questions:

1. Is the star sharp, clearly define, and well formed?

2. Are all the 6 rays straight, and bright?

3. Are all the 6 rays full and complete?

4. Is the star well centered in the middle of the stone?

5. Is there a clear contras between the star and background color?

Ideally, you should be able to answer 'yes' to all these questions. But no stone is perfect, and might find some flaws and could not anwer with an absolute yes. In reality, the star on natural stones will have some flaws, the star might be blurr, or the rays are incomplete. A good way to grade the star corundum as poor, fair, good, very good, and execellent.

Golden-star corundum is also highly priced than the common white-star. Thailand is the main producer of gold-star corundum. Very seldom will one come across a golden-star corundum.

In rare cases, there are star corumdum with 12 rays or double star. The extra star is present because of 2 different types of mineral, rutile and hematite. Under a single source of light, 2 stars will display side-by-side. While other star corundum might display a single star with a total of 12 rays. That is because the 2 stars are very closed to each other that they over lapped. In cases, 6 rays might be gold color, while the other 6 is white.

Cut:

Look for stones with less weight below the gridle or base. That is because some cutters would like to capitalize on the weight, and the consumers would end up paying more for the extra weight. Extra large base at the bottom might be too big for most settings. The ideal weight for the base should be 1/4 of the total weight of the stone. Some star corundum might require a large base to intensified the color and emphasize the star.

Pay attention to the smooth and even polish of the top dome. A good star corundum should have a medium to high dome with uniform curvature to create a perfect star. On the other hand, black star sapphires will have a low dome, as this will display a strong star.

If you come across a good star corundum, then don't be overly concerned on paying for the extra base weight. Concedered that as part of the cost of ownership.

Transparency & Clarity:

Good star corundum should be semi-transparent. For example, a semi-transaprent Indian star ruby might sell ten times more than an opaque one. Most of the Indian star ruby are opaque.

It is normal for natural stones to have flaws. Avoid flaws that you could see with your naked eyes. These flaws will reduce the value of the stone. In addition, these flaws might not be durable, and will crack or split the stone.

Natural or Synthetic Star Corundum:

1. A star corundum should have 6 rays in total. In rare cases, 12 rays. Other stones such as star diopside or star spinel might be mistaken for a star corundum. Star dioside and spinel only has 4 rays.

2. Look at the star, and see if the star is perfect. Use the questions above to help you. If it is too good, the most likely it is not natural. Synthetic star corundum has clear, long, and sharp rays. It is also very well position in the middle of the stone.

3. Turn the stone over, and look at the bottom. If it is flat, then most likely it is syntethic. Natural star corundum are cab with a rounded base. Also look for inscription of "L" or English Pound sign, which stands for Linde. Other markings include a lightning bolt, and "F". All these are synthethic stones.

Valuation:

Indian star rubies with is usually opaque will sell for a few dollars a carat. Thai black sapphire with a white star will are readily available in the market for a few dollars per carat. But a golden-star black sapphire or a 12 ray sapphire will cost over $100 per carat. Intense red, blue, and platinum-color, semi-transparent with a perfect star will commence as high as several hundred dollars per carat.

If you are in a rock show or a jewelry supply shop, look through the piles of star corundum. Even all of them are priced the same, you might get lucky to find one with a golden-star or a double star sapphire.

Metaphysical:

It brings the knowledge of human nature to the user and enhances the ability to understand the intentions of another. It helps to make one cheerful and friendly. Also known as a "stone of wisdom and good luck".

George Kunz wrote in his book The Curious Lore of Precious Stones that the three cross-bars of the star were to represent faith, hope, and destiny, It is said that star sapphires are so powerful at warding off bad omens they would exercise their good influences over their first owners even after passing into other hands.