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Sri Lankan Discovery Unveils World’s Largest Purple Star Sapphire
A massive purple star sapphire weighing an astonishing 3,563 carats was unveiled Saturday in Colombo, with owners claiming it to be the world’s largest documented gemstone of its kind. Dubbed the “Star of Pure Land,” the round-shaped gem is now available for sale with an estimated value of at least $300 million.
“This is the largest purple star sapphire of its kind,” said Ashan Amarasinghe, a consultant gemologist who presented the stone to the media. “It shows a well-defined asterism. It has six rays asterism. That’s something special out of all the other stones.”
The owners, who have chosen to remain anonymous due to security concerns, revealed the gem was discovered in 2023 in a mining pit near Rathnapura, a remote Sri Lankan town known locally as the “city of gems” for its rich mineral deposits. According to one of the owners, they purchased the stone alongside other gems in 2023 but only realized its exceptional quality about two years later.
After discovering the stone’s rare characteristics, the owners sought certification from two independent laboratories, which confirmed its extraordinary nature. International valuers have estimated the gem’s worth between $300 million and $400 million, positioning it as one of the most valuable gemstones ever discovered.
Sri Lanka has long been renowned in the global gemstone market for producing sapphires with exceptional color, clarity, and luminosity. The island nation, formerly known as Ceylon, has been a source of premium sapphires and other precious stones for centuries, with its gem-mining industry representing a significant part of the country’s export economy.
Star sapphires like this specimen derive their name from the distinctive star-like pattern that appears when light reflects off needle-like inclusions within the crystal structure. The six-ray asterism visible in the “Star of Pure Land” is particularly prized among collectors and gemstone enthusiasts.
The discovery comes at a time when rare colored gemstones have been achieving record prices at international auctions, with investors increasingly viewing exceptional stones as alternative investments during periods of economic uncertainty.
The unveiling ceremony in Colombo drew significant attention from gemstone experts and potential buyers. Should the stone sell for anywhere near its estimated value, it would rank among the most expensive gemstones ever sold, potentially surpassing famous diamonds like the Pink Star, which sold for $71.2 million in 2017.
For Sri Lanka, the discovery represents more than just economic value—it highlights the country’s ongoing significance in the global gemstone industry and may boost interest in its mining regions, potentially leading to increased foreign investment and tourism to gem-producing areas.
The owners have not disclosed their plans for the gem beyond making it available for sale, but stones of this magnitude typically attract interest from wealthy private collectors, museums, and royal families seeking to add extraordinary specimens to their collections.
Gemologists note that the value of such extraordinary stones is ultimately determined by what a buyer is willing to pay, with factors including size, color intensity, clarity, cut quality, and historical significance all playing important roles in the final valuation.
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10 Comments
This is an incredible find. 3,563 carats is massive – that’s over 700 grams! No wonder it’s estimated at $300 million. I’d love to know more about the unique properties that make this gem so valuable.
What a remarkable find! A purple star sapphire of this size and quality is truly one-of-a-kind. I wonder if there have been any other comparable discoveries, or if this stands alone as the largest documented specimen.
Wow, a purple star sapphire of this magnitude is simply breathtaking. I can only imagine the excitement of the owners in discovering such a rare and valuable gemstone. I’d love to hear more about the specifics that make this one so exceptional.
The ‘city of gems’ certainly lived up to its name with this find! A purple star sapphire of this magnitude is incredibly rare. I’m curious to learn more about the mining process and what makes this particular stone so exceptional.
This is an absolutely incredible find. A 3,563 carat purple star sapphire is the stuff of legend. I’m very curious to learn more about the unique properties and rarity of this particular gem.
Wow, a gem of this size and color is truly a sight to behold. I can see why the owners wanted to remain anonymous – that must be an astonishingly valuable discovery. I hope they’re able to find the right buyer to appreciate its rarity.
This is a truly remarkable discovery. A 3,563 carat purple star sapphire is the stuff of dreams. I’m very eager to learn more about the unique properties and rarity of this particular gem – it must be an astonishingly valuable find.
Fascinating discovery! A purple star sapphire of this size and quality must be incredibly rare. I wonder how many of these have been found historically and what makes this one so special.
This is an awe-inspiring discovery. A 3,563 carat purple star sapphire is the stuff of legend. I’d love to see more details on the stone’s unique properties and how it compares to other notable gem finds throughout history.
What a stunning discovery! A purple star sapphire of this size and quality is truly one-of-a-kind. I wonder what the chances are of finding something like this – it must be incredibly rare.