Star of Pure Land

Last updated

Star of Pure Land
Type of stone Sapphire
Weight3,536 carats (707.2 g)
Dimensions66.46 × 67.87 × 71.17 mm
Color Purple
Cut Round double cabochon
Country of originSri Lanka
Discovered2023
Estimated valueUS$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.

Contents

Description

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

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

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

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 "Meet The "Star Of Pure Land," A 3,563-Carat Sapphire Valued At $300 Million". Forbes. 21 January 2026.
  2. 1 2 3 "Sapphire Report 6532532622". Gemological Institute of America. 1 October 2025. Retrieved 22 January 2026.
  3. 1 2 3 4 "Sri Lanka unveils a rare purple star sapphire claimed to be the biggest of its kind". Associated Press. 17 January 2026.