0.86 Ct. Grey Star Sapphire from Ceylon (Sri Lanka)

This listing describes one translucent grey star sapphire, weighing 0.86 carat, presented in an oval shape with precise dimensions of 5.20 x 4.43 x 3.73 millimeters. The stone has been fashioned as a cabochon, a traditional cut for asteriated sapphires, with a domed profile that enhances the optical phenomenon, and it exhibits a light overall color intensity within the grey range. Clarity has been evaluated at eye level and is graded slightly included, reflecting the presence of fine internal features consistent with natural sapphires that give rise to star effects, and the surface finish has been assessed as excellent polish, providing a clean, reflective dome that supports crisp light return. No enhancement of any kind has been applied to this gem, the material is offered in its natural, untreated state, and the combination of translucency and cabochon shape allows for visible internal structure while maintaining good surface quality.

The most notable optical characteristic of this specimen is the clear, six rayed asterism visible across the domed face, generated by oriented needle like inclusions typically composed of rutile or silk within the corundum host. Under a direct light source the star displays good centrality and contrast against the grey body color, with rays that appear well defined and relatively symmetrical for a stone of this size, and the movement of the star with changes in light angle is perceptible due to the cabochon dome and the alignment of the inclusion network. Slight inclusions are observable at eye level toward the lower portion of the dome and at the girdle area, which is consistent with the slightly included clarity grade, and images show a small patch of host matrix or residual surface material at the rim, which does not detract from the asterism and may appeal to collectors who value natural surface character. The dimensions yield a compact oval profile suitable for a modest sized bespoke setting, and the combination of the shallow dome and measured depth supports stable asterism while offering predictable behavior during mounting and wear.

Origin and treatment status are important to gemological assessment, and this star sapphire is documented as originating from Ceylon, Sri Lanka, a region historically known for producing fine asteriated sapphires with a distinctive translucency and silk distribution. The absence of heat treatment or diffusion has been confirmed, preserving the crystal lattice and the natural silk responsible for the star, and this untreated provenance contributes to the gemological character that specialists and designers often seek when specifying material for conservation oriented or historically informed pieces. Practical considerations for setting and care include choosing a protective bezel or partial bezel to safeguard the domed face from knocks and abrasions, avoiding exposure to harsh chemicals and prolonged ultrasonic or steam cleaning due to the presence of included material, and consulting with an experienced jeweler for secure mounting that preserves the asterism orientation. The Natural Sapphire Company documents and presents this gem with a clear, factual description of weight, dimensions, cut, clarity, color intensity, polish, enhancement status, and origin, and we are available to provide additional photographs, viewing observations, or mounting recommendations upon request.