Pink Star Sapphire inside strange black matrix...input needed.

[BurntBear]

I have many, MANY star sapphires and star rubies from creeks in the region.

I cleaned up this specimen last night and discovered a pink Star Sapphire enclosed in a black matrix.

The black matrix is unique and very similar to the corundum inside with the same approx. hardness. Striations run from the pink center into the black which makes me think they are both corundum. I wondering if this is a black sapphire holding a pink star. Any input?

Rough size:

14mm x 12mm x 11mm

20 ct.

 

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[DDancer]

It would not be unheard of. The other possibility is that you have a watermelon tourmaline as that bit there suggests to me.

 

[BurntBear]

UPDATE:

Thought of that too, but it has the same asterism as the rest of my stars and my registered gemologist confirmed that is in fact star corundum. He was a bit puzzled at first as well.

 

[Eu_citzen]

Colour zoning, perhaps?

 

[BurntBear]

I think so.

 

[Eu_citzen]

Colour zoning can make spectacular specimens, like the parti coloured sapphires from Australia. Love them!