World’s Largest Purple Star Sapphire ‘Star of Pure Land’ Unveiled—Worth $300 Million?

World’s largest purple star sapphire ‘Star of Pure Land’ unveiled in Sri Lanka

In the heart of Sri Lanka’s famed Ratnapura—the ‘City of Gems’—a discovery has sent shockwaves through the global gem and jewelry industry. A colossal 1,007-carat **purple star sapphire**, christened the ‘Star of Pure Land,’ has been unveiled by local gemologist Gamage Don Hemachandra and his team. Valued at an astonishing $300 million, it’s being hailed as the world’s largest purple star sapphire ever found .

But before headlines declare a new crown jewel of the mineral world, questions linger: Is this valuation realistic? How does it compare to other legendary sapphires? And what makes a star sapphire so special in the first place? Let’s cut through the hype and uncover the glittering truth.

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What Is a Purple Star Sapphire?

A star sapphire is a rare variety of corundum (the same mineral family as ruby) that exhibits a phenomenon called asterism—a six-rayed star pattern that glides across its surface when exposed to direct light. This effect is caused by microscopic needle-like inclusions of rutile aligned in specific directions within the crystal.

While blue star sapphires are more common, **purple star sapphires** are exceptionally rare. Their color comes from trace amounts of vanadium and chromium, and their value hinges on three key factors: clarity, the sharpness of the star, and the richness of the purple hue. The finest specimens display a velvety, medium-toned purple with a crisp, centered star—a combination that commands premium prices in auction houses like Sotheby’s and Christie’s .

The ‘Star of Pure Land’: Discovery and Details

According to reports, the ‘Star of Pure Land’ was unearthed in July 2025 from a small mine in the Ratnapura district, a region renowned for producing some of the world’s finest gemstones for over 2,000 years. Weighing in at 1,007 carats in its rough form, the oval-shaped stone measures approximately 10 cm in length and features a distinct, well-defined star pattern .

Gamage Don Hemachandra, who also discovered the 1,404-carat ‘Serendipity Sapphire’ in 2021 (then claimed as the world’s largest star sapphire), says this new find is even more significant due to its unusual purple coloration. “This is not just big—it’s beautiful,” he told local media. “The star is perfect, and the color is divine” .

The Name and Its Symbolism

The name ‘Star of Pure Land’ draws from Buddhist cosmology, referencing Sukhavati—the Western Pure Land of Amitabha Buddha, a realm of enlightenment and peace. Given that over 70% of Sri Lankans practice Buddhism, the naming reflects both cultural reverence and spiritual aspiration, adding a layer of symbolic value beyond its physical attributes.

Is the $300 Million Valuation Realistic?

Here’s where things get tricky. While the **purple star sapphire** is undeniably rare, the $300 million price tag appears speculative at best. For context:

  • The famous ‘Blue Belle of Asia’ (a 392.52-carat Ceylon sapphire) sold for $17.3 million in 2014—roughly $44,000 per carat .
  • Even the record-breaking ‘Jewel of Kashmir’ fetched $24.8 million in 2023 for a 27.68-carat stone—about $896,000 per carat .
  • At $300 million, the ‘Star of Pure Land’ would need to command nearly $300,000 per carat—unprecedented for a rough, untreated stone, regardless of size.

Industry experts, including those from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), emphasize that value in colored stones depends heavily on cut, color saturation, and market demand—not just carat weight. A rough stone, no matter how large, must be expertly cut to unlock its true worth. And star sapphires, due to their asterism, are often left in cabochon (domed) form, limiting their appeal to high-end jewelry designers compared to faceted gems .

As one anonymous gem dealer in Colombo put it: “It’s a museum piece, not a market piece—yet.”

How It Compares to Other Famous Sapphires

Sri Lanka has long been a treasure trove for sapphires. The island nation’s alluvial deposits yield stones prized for their brightness and clarity. Here’s how the ‘Star of Pure Land’ stacks up:

Name Weight Color Status
Star of Pure Land 1,007 carats Purple Rough, uncut
Serendipity Sapphire 1,404 carats Blue Rough, uncut
Blue Belle of Asia 392.52 carats Blue Cut, auctioned
Logan Sapphire 423 carats Blue Cut, displayed at Smithsonian

Notably, while the ‘Serendipity Sapphire’ is heavier, its blue color is more common than the ‘Star of Pure Land’s’ purple—a factor that could make the latter more valuable *if* properly cut and certified.

Why Sri Lanka Remains a Gemstone Powerhouse

Sri Lanka’s geology is uniquely suited for gem formation. The island sits on an ancient Precambrian rock shield, where high-grade metamorphic processes created ideal conditions for corundum crystallization. Unlike Myanmar or Madagascar, Sri Lankan sapphires are typically low in iron, giving them a brighter, more vibrant color—highly sought after by collectors [[INTERNAL_LINK:sri-lanka-gem-industry-history]].

The government has recently ramped up efforts to formalize the mining sector, promote ethical sourcing, and attract international buyers—making discoveries like the ‘Star of Pure Land’ not just geological wonders, but potential economic catalysts.

Conclusion: A Rarity Wrapped in Mystery

The unveiling of the world’s largest **purple star sapphire** is a moment of national pride for Sri Lanka and a fascinating development for gem enthusiasts worldwide. While the $300 million valuation may be more aspirational than accurate, the ‘Star of Pure Land’ remains a geological marvel—a testament to nature’s artistry and the enduring allure of rare earth treasures. Whether it ends up in a private vault, a museum, or a royal collection, its story has only just begun.

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