Sri Lanka unveils massive purple star sapphire claimed as world’s largest

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (Journos News) – Sri Lanka has unveiled a rare purple star sapphire weighing 3,563 carats, a gemstone its owners and experts describe as the largest documented natural example of its kind. The stone was presented to the public in Colombo, drawing attention both for its size and for the country’s long-established reputation as one of the world’s leading sources of high-quality sapphires.

The polished, round-shaped gem — named the Star of Pure Land — is being offered for sale and has been valued by international assessors at between $300 million and $400 million, according to a consultant gemologist involved in its certification. Its owners, who have requested anonymity citing security concerns, say they are now exploring potential buyers.

The unveiling comes at a time when rare colored gemstones are attracting growing interest from collectors and investors, particularly those with verified provenance and unusual optical features.

A rare natural purple star sapphire

Ashan Amarasinghe, a consultant gemologist who examined the stone, said the Star of Pure Land is the world’s largest documented natural purple star sapphire. He told reporters that the gem displays a clearly defined six-rayed star effect — known as asterism — which appears when light reflects off microscopic needle-like inclusions within the crystal.

“This is the largest purple star sapphire of its kind,” Amarasinghe said, noting that the symmetry and clarity of the star pattern distinguish it from other known examples. Star sapphires are more commonly found in blue or grey tones, making natural purple specimens particularly rare in the global market.

The stone has been polished to enhance the visibility of the asterism, a process that requires precise cutting to align the crystal structure with the gem’s surface.

Discovered in Sri Lanka’s “city of gems”

According to one of the owners, the sapphire was originally recovered from a gem pit near Rathnapura, a town in southwestern Sri Lanka widely known as the country’s gemstone trading hub. Rathnapura — whose name translates as “city of gems” — has for centuries been associated with sapphires, rubies, and other precious stones sourced from alluvial deposits.

The owner said the gem was found in 2023 and purchased alongside other rough stones. Its exceptional nature was not immediately recognized. Only later, after further examination, did its size, color, and optical qualities become fully apparent.

Following the discovery, the owners sought formal authentication. Amarasinghe said the stone was subsequently certified by two laboratories, a step considered essential for high-value gemstones entering the international market.

Valuation and global interest

Amarasinghe said international valuers have placed the stone’s estimated worth between $300 million and $400 million, though he emphasized that final pricing would depend on buyer interest, market conditions, and further expert assessments.

Sri Lanka is one of the world’s most important sapphire-producing countries, known especially for stones prized for their color saturation, transparency, and brilliance. The country has supplied sapphires to royal families, luxury brands, and private collectors for generations.

While Sri Lankan blue sapphires are the most internationally recognized, specialists say the island’s geology allows for a wide range of colors, including pink, yellow, and rare hues such as purple. Large, natural star sapphires in these colors are considered especially uncommon.

Security concerns and next steps

The owners of the Star of Pure Land have not disclosed where the stone will be stored or exhibited next, citing security considerations. They confirmed they are open to selling the gem but declined to comment on whether discussions with potential buyers are already underway.

For Sri Lanka’s gem industry, the unveiling serves as both a commercial opportunity and a reminder of the country’s enduring role in the global gemstone trade. Industry observers say high-profile discoveries can help reinforce confidence in Sri Lanka’s certification standards and responsible sourcing practices.

Although such exceptional finds are rare, experts note that Sri Lanka’s gem-bearing regions continue to yield stones of international significance, sustaining the island’s reputation as one of the world’s most storied sources of sapphires.