Sri Lanka Reveals the World’s Largest Recorded Purple Star Sapphire

Sri Lanka has announced the discovery of what is considered the largest recorded natural purple star sapphire to date. Weighing an astounding 3,563 carats, the gemstone—named The Star of Pure Land—was officially revealed at a ceremony in Colombo by its unnamed owners, who confirmed that it is being offered for sale.

The sapphire is noted for its remarkably crisp six-rayed asterism, a rare visual effect formed when light interacts with microscopic inclusions within the stone. Cut en cabochon, the star appears strikingly clear and well-defined, placing the gem among the finest examples of star sapphires ever seen.

Gem experts point out that although Sri Lanka is internationally celebrated for producing exceptional sapphires, this stone is exceptional both in size and in quality. Early global valuations are estimated between $300 million and $400 million, which could position it among the most valuable sapphires on record.

Beyond its immense monetary worth, the find further underscores Sri Lanka’s long-standing role in the global gemstone industry and serves as a reminder of the enduring rarity of extraordinary natural gems at a time when laboratory-grown stones are becoming increasingly prevalent.