Golden sapphire (or Gold sheen sapphire) has been known in the trade as 'black star sapphire' for over 50 years. Cutting blackstar with facets instead of domed cabochons reveals an amazing new dimension. Golden sapphire is found in Thailand, Guinea, Sierre Leone, Burma, Sri Lanka, Laos, Tanzania, Mozambique, Australia. (1) The quality varies in each deposit, however material from Thailand, Burma, Sri Lanka and Tanzania is more golden.
Is there any golden sapphire in Kenya?
There is no evidence of any golden colour in Kenya (*see bottom). New Goldsheen Sapphire raw stone is being mined all the time and is available in very large quantities. The sources are not depleted and the price has remained constant. As major dealers, we can sell much lower than anybody else - at about $7/carat, even for the translucent blue and yellow types.
Black star sapphire is not a similar stone, it is exactly the same stone as golden sapphire but cut into facets. Because the stone is opaque, the golden shine is not visible until the surface is flat or nearly flat. The dome shape is darker because more of the cross section material is visible. The golden material is in layers so the worker must cut along with the layers.
Is there any golden sapphire in Kenya?
There is no evidence of any golden colour in Kenya (*see bottom). New Goldsheen Sapphire raw stone is being mined all the time and is available in very large quantities. The sources are not depleted and the price has remained constant. As major dealers, we can sell much lower than anybody else - at about $7/carat, even for the translucent blue and yellow types.
Black star sapphire is not a similar stone, it is exactly the same stone as golden sapphire but cut into facets. Because the stone is opaque, the golden shine is not visible until the surface is flat or nearly flat. The dome shape is darker because more of the cross section material is visible. The golden material is in layers so the worker must cut along with the layers.
This gemstone changes when moved in the light. This effect is subtle, although in
some pieces the colours can vary from blue to green, silver or gold. Within each
piece are unique inclusions that create this effect. Hemetite and ilmenite provide
the main golden effect with magnetite grain lines. If titanium is present, then there
will be a blue element.
some pieces the colours can vary from blue to green, silver or gold. Within each
piece are unique inclusions that create this effect. Hemetite and ilmenite provide
the main golden effect with magnetite grain lines. If titanium is present, then there
will be a blue element.
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BEAUTIFUL VEIN LINES
Many of these sapphires have natural lines that give it almost a 'woodgrain' look when combined with the golden brown colour. In golden sapphire these lines are very fine. The fine lines are normally beneath the surface and do not affect the durability. Golden sapphire has a hardness of Moh's 9, second only to diamond. |
What is the difference between Golden sapphire, blackstar sapphire, Goldsheen and Zawadi?
They are all the same stone. The correct name for this material GOLDEN SAPPHIRE. Goldsheen and Zawadi are brand names. There is some debate about whether a brand name should be applied to a raw material. Any newly cut stones that we produce for you are named simply 'Golden sapphire' so as not to confuse it with brand names. We also have a large stock of brand Gold sheen. We will beat any proven price from a competitor.
They are all the same stone. The correct name for this material GOLDEN SAPPHIRE. Goldsheen and Zawadi are brand names. There is some debate about whether a brand name should be applied to a raw material. Any newly cut stones that we produce for you are named simply 'Golden sapphire' so as not to confuse it with brand names. We also have a large stock of brand Gold sheen. We will beat any proven price from a competitor.
BEWARE of low quality! Some sellers are trading low quality brown sapphire and calling it 'Golden.' Do not be fooled. It's pretty easy to tell. The products have only a very weak golden shine and a very dark colour. Do not confuse this with black star, which is showing mostly cross section. No matter how hard they try, low quality will not shine bright because the layer material is dim.
High quality Golden sapphire material will really shine. This
product requires the same attention as rubies or blue sapphires.
There is low quality material on the market - and high quality.
You decide what you want.
We manufacture high quality golden and blue/gold sapphire. For a quotation, email goldsheengems@gmail.com.
We have the knowledge of how to cut this stone with attention to detail, fine cut and beauty.
From the rough stone we have discovered about four variations:
TYPES OF GOLDEN SAPPHIRE
1. Golden Sapphire - regular
The majority of gem quality material that comes from the rough stone has a golden brown appearance with fine lines. We have a large stock of special pieces and calibrated sets.
TYPES OF GOLDEN SAPPHIRE
1. Golden Sapphire - regular
The majority of gem quality material that comes from the rough stone has a golden brown appearance with fine lines. We have a large stock of special pieces and calibrated sets.
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2. Blue and gold
Some golden sapphire has blue, green or yellow elements. Often these parts are translucent too. The look can be quite different to the regular golden, however, it is from exactly the same source. The gold element is still easily visible proving this. When held up to the light the translucent colours are breath taking. |
**Kenya: An article appeared in the respected journal Gem-A in 2015 'From Exsolution to Gold sheen.'
Representatives of Gem-A (The Gemmological Association of Great Britain) have since confirmed that various printed claims were based upon the word of a gem trader. No physical evidence of any kind has ever been provided to support these claims. The lab reports were the only factual evidence for the article. This article has since been used as an academic reference for many other articles, quoting and adding to the claims. Traders with commercial interests will often create an exciting 'story' so that people will buy.
Designers using Golden sheen Sapphire:
Representatives of Gem-A (The Gemmological Association of Great Britain) have since confirmed that various printed claims were based upon the word of a gem trader. No physical evidence of any kind has ever been provided to support these claims. The lab reports were the only factual evidence for the article. This article has since been used as an academic reference for many other articles, quoting and adding to the claims. Traders with commercial interests will often create an exciting 'story' so that people will buy.
Designers using Golden sheen Sapphire:
1. https://www.starruby.in/store/info/black-star-sapphires