Star rubies are of utmost rarity and desirability within the gemstone world. Their exclusivity surpasses even that of star sapphires, owing to the presence of chromium, which imparts the coveted pink and red hues but limits their potential size. Each star ruby has a distinctive appearance, making finding matching pairs and a complete set nearly impossible.
Gems that showcase extraordinary characteristics like a star are referred to as phenomena, encompassing a range of captivating effects. These include asterism, chatoyancy, iridescence, adularescence, aventurescence, labradorescence, and play-of-color. Among these phenomena, star rubies primarily exhibit asterism, while chatoyancy is a rarity. Although other phenomena can occasionally manifest in rubies, such occurrences are infrequent.
Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, stands as the most renowned source of star rubies, primarily due to the organized and tightly knit formation of silk within the gems. While not all rubies display such silk inclusions, it is a common characteristic observed in many specimens.
With their extraordinary beauty and scarcity, star rubies captivate the hearts of gem enthusiasts and collectors worldwide. Their unique features, including the elusive star pattern and the occasional display of other phenomena, contribute to their allure and make them exceptional gems.