Sri Lanka has unveiled a rare gemstone, a 3,563-carat purple star sapphire, which the owners claim is the largest natural purple star sapphire in the world. Its preliminary valuation is as high as $300 to $400 million, equivalent to approximately 9.43 to 12.58 billion baht.
On Saturday (17 Jan) in Colombo, Sri Lanka, the group of owners officially presented the 3,563-carat Purple Star Sapphire, confirmed as the largest of its kind in the world. The owners are prepared to sell this precious gem, which has an initial valuation of $300 to $400 million, or roughly 9.43 to 12.58 billion baht.
This spherical gemstone has been officially named "Star of Pure Land." Ashan Amarasinha, a gemology consultant, noted it is the largest natural purple star sapphire ever recorded. Its distinctive feature is the optical phenomenon known as "asterism," a clear six-rayed star visible on the gem's surface, which is a rare and special trait compared to other gemstones.
Regarding the gem’s origin, one of the owners, who requested anonymity for security reasons, revealed it was mined near Ratnapura—known as the "City of Gems"—in 2023. Initially, it was purchased along with other gems as a group. After about two years, the owners realized its extraordinary uniqueness and sent it for certification at two gemological laboratories.
Amarasinha added that international gem appraisers have valued this sapphire between $300 million and $400 million, reinforcing the global reputation of Sri Lankan sapphires for their exceptional color, clarity, and unique brilliance.
. . .AP