COLOMBO – In a dazzling revelation from Sri Lanka’s capital, the owners of a colossal Purple Star Sapphire, weighing an impressive 3,563 carats, introduced the world to what they claim is the largest gem of its type. This extraordinary stone, which could fetch at least $300 million, is now available for purchase.

Dubbed the “Star of Pure Land,” this gemstone has been identified as the largest known natural purple star sapphire on the planet, according to Ashan Amarasinghe, a consultant gemologist.

Amarasinghe shared with reporters, “This gem stands out as the largest purple star sapphire of its kind, displaying a striking six-rayed asterism. Such clarity and definition in its star are distinguishing features that set it apart from other stones.”

Having undergone polishing, the gem is in the possession of the Star of Pure Land Team, who prefer to maintain their privacy due to safety concerns.

One member of this anonymous group revealed that the gem was unearthed in 2023 from a gem pit located near Rathnapura, a town aptly nicknamed the “city of gems.”

It was purchased together with other gems in 2023 and about two years later, the owners found that it was a special stone. They then got it certified by two laboratories.

Amarasinghe said the value of the stone has been estimated at $300 million to $400 million by international valuers. Sri Lankan sapphires are renowned for their unique color, clarity and shimmer.