Asteria or Star Stones create a star-like inner glow. Star sapphires belong to this group. In the ancient world they're valued by Greeks as love charms. Helen of Troy wears star corundum, sapphire with a dramatic six-ray effect.
The phenomenon asterism is caused by a high number of rutile needles, or fine inclusions, also called 'silk', within the gemstone. Made of titanium dioxide, the rutile needles react with light to create a lustrous star effect.
Some star sapphires from Thailand contain hematite and rutile needles, forming a phenomenal 12-ray star. Star stones are dedicated to the Greek Titan Goddess Asteria.
She's the goddess of falling stars. Asteria is also associated with nighttime divinations such as oneiromancy (dream interpretation to foretell the future) and astrology.
In Greek her name means 'of a star, full of stars, starry'. Asteria is the mother of Hecate, Greek Goddess of crossroads, entrance-ways, night, magic, witchcraft, Moon, knowledge of herbs and poisonous plants, graves, ghosts and necromancy.
Zeus once takes a liking to Asteria. To escape she turns herself into a bird, then a wandering island. Zeus impregnates her sister Leto instead. Although Zeus' wife Hera forbade anyone to take the pregnant woman in, Asteria defies her and allows her sister on the island.
Leto gives birth to Apollo and Artemis. The island receives the name Delos, and Apollo makes it his sacred land. It's one of the smaller Aegean islands and still bears the ruins of a temple of Apollo.
Asterism can occur in various gemstones including sapphire, ruby, garnet, spinel, diopside, beryl, and quartz. It manifests in one of two ways:
Epiasterism, as in sapphire and most other gems. It's the reflection of light on parallel inclusions inside the gemstone.
Diasterism, as in rose quartz, is caused by light transmitted through the gemstone. The stone must be lit from behind. Rose quartz can also display epiasterism.
Star stones are considered to promote calmness, mental clarity, and intuition. These unique gems inspire spiritual growth and awareness.
They relate to astral journeys and safety while traveling. Star gemstones can help recall dreams. Some believe they can open communication channels with spirits of loved ones.
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