A 3,563-carat Purple Star Sapphire, claimed to be the world’s largest of its kind, was unveiled on Saturday in Sri Lanka’s capital by its owners, who are prepared to sell the rare gemstone, valued at an estimated minimum of USD 300 million.
The round-shaped gem, named “Star of Pure Land,” is the largest documented natural purple star sapphire in the world, according to consultant gemologist Ashan Amarasinghe.
Speaking to the media, Amarasinghe said the gemstone displays a well-defined six-rayed asterism, a rare and distinctive feature that sets it apart from other stones. “This is the largest purple star sapphire of its kind, and the clarity of its six-ray asterism makes it especially remarkable,” he noted.
The polished gemstone is owned by the Star of Pure Land Team, whose members have chosen to remain anonymous due to security concerns.
One of the owners revealed that the sapphire was discovered in a gem pit near Rathnapura—Sri Lanka’s famed “City of Gems”—in 2023. It was initially purchased along with several other gemstones, and its exceptional nature was only identified nearly two years later.
Following its discovery, the gemstone was certified by two independent laboratories. Amarasinghe said international valuers have estimated the stone’s value at between USD 300 million and USD 400 million, highlighting that Sri Lankan sapphires are globally renowned for their unique colour, clarity, and natural brilliance.
