【Mozambique; 】A Century’s Discovery: Estrela de Fura, the World’s Highest Quality Gem-Grade Ruby

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Editor’s Note

This article reports on the unveiling of the ‘Estrela de Fura,’ a 101-carat rough ruby described as a historic, century-defining discovery. The text provided ends abruptly. For the complete story, including details on its origin, valuation, and significance to the gemstone market, please refer to the full article.

ruby estrela de fura
Historic Unveiling in Dubai

Jakarta – The world’s largest gem-quality rough ruby was unveiled on Wednesday in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Known as the Estrela de Fura, Portuguese for ‘Star of Fura’, it weighs 101 carats. The unveiling ceremony was held at Almas Tower, Jumeirah Lakes Towers, led by Ahmed Bin Sulayem, CEO and Executive Chairman of the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre.

The stone has been described as a discovery of the century. It was recently unearthed in Mozambique by mining company Fura Gems. “Nothing like this has been seen for over a century, and we are extremely thrilled. This is a once-in-a-hundred-years stone,” Fura Gems CEO Dev Shetty told The National News, as reported on September 16.

The Moment of Discovery

On July 24, at Fura’s mine in Mozambique, the company’s master sorter, Balbir, opened a storage bin and saw something large, red, and sparkling. The color turned a vivid red when sunlight hit it.

Balbir immediately called Shetty, who was in Bangkok, and said: “I think we have found something extraordinary.”

Since then, the gemstone has been examined by several industry experts, including the International Gemological Institute in Antwerp, one of the world’s largest and most respected institutions. The consensus is that the ruby’s quality and size have not been seen for decades.

“I had a lab that came back to me and said: ‘In 20 years of research, I have never seen anything like this’,” Shetty added.
“It’s really fascinating. No one has seen anything like this before, in terms of fluorescence, color, and clarity,” he said.

When cut, the gem is expected to yield a 50-carat or even 60-carat gem-grade ruby.

Value and Rarity

As for its value, Shetty declined to provide a price, preferring to leave it to market forces.

To illustrate the potential value, Sotheby’s auctioned a ruby of similar quality in 2015. Known as the Sunrise Ruby, it weighed 25.59 carats and sold for over $1 million per carat. Shetty noted that ruby prices have doubled since then.

“For every 10 carats, the price increases exponentially, so a 20-carat stone is worth exponentially more than a 10-carat one, then 30 carats, 40 carats, and so on. If it’s a 50-carat stone, it’s just mathematics,” he said.
“Rubies above 10 carats are much rarer than diamonds, even colored diamonds, and I am honored to unveil this gemstone,” he said.
The Sale Process Begins

Now, the serious business of selling this uncut treasure is beginning. Over the next 45 days, the rough ruby will be on display, and a small, select group of potential buyers will be invited to assess it.

Each will have two days to evaluate the ruby’s worth. Shetty believes buyers will step forward for it.

“Anyone could potentially buy this. It could be a cutter, a jewelry brand, a collector, or even a museum,” he explained.
“This is a historic moment for us, my company, and Mozambique. I am extremely happy and proud for Mozambique. It deserves all the credit,” Shetty concluded.
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⏰ Published on: February 10, 2026