Editor’s Note
This article reports on the recent discovery of the world’s largest natural blue sapphire in Sri Lanka, a nation long celebrated as a premier source for precious gemstones.
The world’s largest natural corundum blue sapphire was discovered three months ago during an excavation in Ratnapura, located 45 kilometers from Sri Lanka’s capital, Colombo. It is worth noting that approximately 90 percent of all corundum stones found in the world come from Sri Lanka, which has been famous for its unique gems for centuries.
The owner of this sapphire, which weighs over 310 kilograms, is Chamila Suranga. He explained that the person digging a well alerted them to some rare stones, and later they stumbled upon this massive sapphire. The value of this sapphire found in Ratnapura is said to exceed 100 crore rupees. The story of finding the world’s largest sapphire is quite interesting as it was discovered during a very ordinary excavation.
According to information, the owner was having excavation work done at his home and the well behind it. While digging the well, he came across this large treasure. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka’s National Gems and Jewellery Authority has certified this precious gem. Plans are now being made to sell it in the international market.
Before the exhibition, a group of Buddhist monks blessed the gem. Meanwhile, renowned gemologist Gamini Zoysa said:
Tilak Weerasinghe, Chairman of Sri Lanka’s National Gems and Jewellery Authority, said: