| Type of stone | Sapphire |
|---|---|
| Weight | 3,536 carats (707.2 g) |
| Dimensions | 66.46 × 67.87 × 71.17 mm |
| Color | Purple |
| Cut | Round double cabochon |
| Country of origin | Sri Lanka |
| Discovered | 2023 |
| Estimated value | US$300 million[1] |
The Star of Pure Land is a natural purple star sapphire discovered in Sri Lanka and publicly unveiled in January 2026. Weighing 3,563 carats, it is the largest documented natural purple star sapphire. The gemstone has a six-ray asterism (star effect) that spans the curved face of the stone.
Description
[edit]The Star of Pure Land is a natural corundum, classified as a natural star sapphire.[2] It weighs 3,536 carats (707.2 g) and measures 66.46–67.87 mm × 71.17 mm. The stone is round with a double cabochon cutting style, semi-translucent to opaque, and purple in color. The stone displays a six-rayed asterism caused by aligned rutile inclusions within the crystal[1] and shows no indications of heating.[2] An orange foreign material is seen on the surface reaching fractures.[2] The gemstone is presented as a loose, unmounted stone. It is the largest known natural purple star sapphire documented to date.[1]
Discovery
[edit]The sapphire was discovered in 2023 near Ratnapura, Sri Lanka, a region known for sapphire mining.[3] The stone remains uncut and was publicly presented in Colombo following its examination.[3]
The Gemological Institute of America confirmed its natural origin and star effect.[1]
Valuation
[edit]Industry assessments value the gem in the hundreds of millions of US dollars.[3][1] As of its unveiling in January 2026, the Star of Pure Land remains held by anonymous owners who have indicated willingness to sell it.[3]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b c d e "Meet The "Star Of Pure Land," A 3,563-Carat Sapphire Valued At $300 Million". Forbes. 21 January 2026.
- ^ a b c "Sapphire Report 6532532622". Gemological Institute of America. 1 October 2025. Retrieved 22 January 2026.
- ^ a b c d "Sri Lanka unveils a rare purple star sapphire claimed to be the biggest of its kind". Associated Press. 17 January 2026.