Exhibitions Ontario. The Black Star Sapphire of Queensland. The Royal Ontario Museum. The Curated Object

The Black Star of Queensland. Private Collection. Photo: ROM.

The Black Star Sapphire of Queensland
Until June 15, 2008

Catch a rare glimpse of The Black Star of Queensland, one of the largest gem quality sapphires in the world. This brilliant six-point black star sapphire is on display for the first time since 1969.

This incredible gem was found in the 1930s in the town of Anakie in Queensland, Australia. It weighed an amazing 1156 carats. It was purchased uncut by the Kazanjian Brothers in 1947 and later cut and polished to its present-day 733 carats. It is now surrounded by 35 sparkling diamonds in a white gold setting.

The Black Star Sapphire of Queensland explores the beauty and science surrounding sapphires — how they are formed in nature, where and how they are mined, and their significance in various cultures. Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime chance to catch this shining star before it’s gone.

For more information please visit: The Royal Ontario Museum

-Joanne Molina

Comments

[Gregor Shapiro]

Do you have any open license images of the Black Star of Queensland that you could let Wikipedia use to illustrate their article on this important stone?