Editor’s Note
This article highlights the unveiling of the extraordinary “Star of the Pure Earth,” a 3,563-carat purple sapphire in Colombo. Its remarkable size and unique characteristics mark a significant moment in gemological history, capturing widespread attention for its rarity.
In the capital of Sri Lanka, Colombo, a rare gem — the purple sapphire “Star of the Pure Earth” weighing 3,563 carats — has been presented to the public for the first time. It is emphasized that this gemstone, with its immense size, impressive volume, and unique optical properties, has created a new page in the global history of gemology. Such a discovery is very rare, and precisely for this reason, it has generated great interest.
It is reported that the sapphire was found in 2023 in the city of Ratnapura — a region recognized as the “City of Gems.” Many stones are mined there, but this discovery stands out particularly for its scale and beauty. Interestingly, it was initially purchased as part of a lot of other gemstones, and it was only after two years that its owners realized how rare it was, how much of an exceptional treasure it truly was. Subsequently, the owners, wishing to remain anonymous, decided to have the stone examined in two independent laboratories.
According to gemologist Ashan Amarasinghe, the sapphire possesses perfect asterism — a rare optical effect where, when light strikes it, a six-rayed star appears.
It is precisely this characteristic that, according to the conclusion of specialists, places it among the rarest gemstones in the world.
The initial estimate for the “Star of the Pure Earth” could reach 300 to 400 million dollars. It is indicated that the owners of this rare discovery, which is expected to set new records in the gemstone market, are currently ready to consider incoming purchase offers but are in no rush to make a decision. In short, this purple sapphire presented in Colombo is sure to spark significant discussions both in the global market and among fans and collectors.