A rare purple star sapphire, believed to be the largest of its kind ever documented, has captured global attention after being unveiled in Sri Lanka’s capital over the weekend. The extraordinary gemstone weighs 3,563 carats and is estimated to be worth at least $300 million, with some international valuers placing its price as high as $400 million. The owners, who say they are ready to sell the stone, have remained anonymous due to security concerns.
A record-setting gemstone
The round-shaped sapphire, named “Star of Pure Land,” has been described by experts as a once-in-a-generation discovery. According to consultant gemologist Ashan Amarasinghe, it is the world’s largest documented natural purple star sapphire.
“This is the largest purple star sapphire of its kind,” Amarasinghe told the media, highlighting one of its most prized features: a clearly visible six-ray asterism, the star-like pattern that appears when light hits the surface of the stone.
“It shows a well-defined asterism. It has six rays, that’s something special compared to other stones,” he said.
Star sapphires are valued not only for their colour and size but also for the sharpness and symmetry of this optical phenomenon, which is caused by light reflecting off microscopic needle-like inclusions within the crystal.
Discovered in Sri Lanka’s “city of gems”
According to the owners, the gemstone was discovered in 2023 in a gem pit near Rathnapura, a town in southern Sri Lanka long known as the country’s gem-mining hub and often referred to as the “city of gems.”
Rathnapura has a storied history of producing some of the world’s most sought-after sapphires and other precious stones, making it a key player in the global gem trade.
Interestingly, the sapphire was not immediately recognized for its exceptional nature. The owners said it was purchased along with several other stones in 2023, and only nearly two years later did they realise its true rarity and potential value.
Following further examination, the gemstone was polished and certified by two independent laboratories, confirming that it is a natural purple star sapphire.
Valued at up to $400 million
Amarasinghe said international experts have valued the Star of Pure Land at between $300 million and $400 million, a figure driven by a combination of factors rarely seen in a single stone.
These include:
- Its massive carat weight
- The rarity of natural purple star sapphires
- The clarity and balance of its colour
- A strong, well-centred six-ray star effect
He added that Sri Lankan sapphires are globally renowned for their distinctive color tones, clarity, and natural shimmer, often commanding premium prices in international markets.
Owners open to selling
The gemstone is owned by a group known as the Star of Pure Land team, who have chosen not to reveal their identities, citing security risks associated with owning an asset of such high value.
While no details have been released about potential buyers or the method of sale, the owners have confirmed they are open to selling the stone, a move that could place the sapphire among the most expensive gemstones ever traded.
A spotlight on Sri Lanka’s gem legacy
The unveiling of the Star of Pure Land has once again drawn global attention to Sri Lanka’s centuries-old gem industry, which continues to produce stones of exceptional quality and rarity.
For gem experts and collectors alike, the sapphire is more than just a high-value object—it is a reminder that even today, remarkable natural treasures can still emerge from the earth, quietly waiting to be discovered before dazzling the world.
