A colossal sapphire, touted as the largest globally, has been unveiled, potentially valued at over $300 million (£224m). The Purple Star Sapphire, weighing an astonishing 3,563 carats, made its debut in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The gem, named “Star of Pure Land,” is believed to be the largest known natural purple star sapphire, as confirmed by gemologist Ashan Amarasinghe, who described it as a unique find due to its well-defined asterism with six rays.
Star sapphires are highly coveted for their star-like patterns when illuminated, and purple variants are exceptionally scarce. The gem, already polished, is in possession of a group known as the Star of Pure Land Team, opting to maintain anonymity for security reasons.
Discovered in 2023 near Rathnapura, known as Sri Lanka’s gem hub, the sapphire’s true worth was only recognized after purchase, leading to official verification by two laboratories. International appraisers estimate the sapphire’s value between $300 million and $400 million (£224 million and £298 million), positioning it among the most valuable gemstones globally.
Sri Lanka’s reputation for top-quality sapphires is well-established, with Rathnapura holding a central role in its gem mining legacy. The unveiling of the Star of Pure Land has triggered significant interest from global collectors and investors, potentially culminating in a record-breaking gemstone sale.
Beyond the Star of Pure Land, the past year witnessed a series of rare and remarkable gemstones achieving notable success at auctions worldwide. In 2025, The Regent Kashmir, a historic blue sapphire, set a new price record at Christie’s Hong Kong, selling for $9.5 million (£7m), marking the highest price per carat for a sapphire at auction. Additionally, Guinness World Records recognized two colossal stones certified in Dubai: The Black Star of Eva and The Eye of Hope, highlighting the ongoing fascination with exceptional gem finds.
These extraordinary discoveries, valued at over $500 million (£373m) collectively, showcase some of the rarest natural gemstones documented to date. The surge in gem auctions, featuring sought-after rubies, emeralds, and pink diamonds, underscores the growing demand for investment-grade collectibles. Notably, unique gemstones continue to captivate audiences worldwide, from high-carat celebrity pieces to significant findings like blue beryls and record-breaking diamonds sourced from Botswana’s rich mines.
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