A record-breaking gemstone discovery in Sri Lanka has sent shockwaves through the world of precious stones. A team of anonymous owners has revealed a colossal purple star sapphire weighing an astonishing 3,563 carats, believed to be the largest natural star sapphire of its kind ever found.
The 'Star of Pure Land': A Colossal Discovery
The magnificent gem has been christened the 'Star of Pure Land'. It was reportedly discovered in a gem pit near Rathnapura, a remote Sri Lankan town famed as the 'city of gems', back in 2023. The stone was initially purchased alongside other gems that year, with its true significance only becoming apparent after about two years of scrutiny.
Consultant gemologist Ashan Amarasinghe confirmed the stone's exceptional status. 'This is the largest purple star sapphire of its kind,' he stated. '[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 for security reasons, subsequently had the sapphire certified by two independent laboratories.
Understanding Asterism: The Science Behind the Star
The 'star' effect, known as asterism, is what gives these sapphires their magical quality and immense value. This optical phenomenon is created by tiny, needle-like inclusions of the mineral rutile within the stone's structure. When cut into a smooth, domed shape known as a cabochon, light reflects off these inclusions to produce a shimmering star pattern on the surface.
For a star sapphire to be considered of the highest quality, the star should be perfectly centred when viewed from above, with bright, sharp, and clearly defined rays of equal length that stretch from the top to the base of the gem without interruption. The 'Star of Pure Land' is noted for its exceptionally well-defined six-rayed star.
A Staggering Valuation and Historic Context
While an official sale price has not been set, the gem's value has been estimated by international valuers. Mr Amarasinghe revealed that estimates range from $300 million to $400 million, which translates to approximately £223 million to £298 million. If these figures hold, the 'Star of Pure Land' would instantly become one of the most valuable gemstones ever discovered, surpassing the auction prices of legendary diamonds.
To provide context:
- The Oppenheimer Blue diamond (14.62 carats) sold for $57.5 million (£42.8 million) in 2016.
- The Williamson Pink Star diamond (11.15 carats) fetched $57.7 million (£43 million) in 2022.
The discovery underscores how specific qualities—such as extraordinary size, a rare colour like purple, and a perfect asterism—can elevate a gemstone beyond typical market value into the realm of the priceless. This Sri Lankan find not only sets a new benchmark for sapphires but also captivates gemologists and collectors worldwide with its unique blend of natural beauty and sheer scale.
