A rare purple star sapphire weighing 3,563 carats, claimed to be the largest of its kind in the world, was unveiled in the Sri Lankan capital, with its owners announcing their readiness to sell the precious gemstone, estimated at no less than $300 million.

The round-shaped gem, named the "Star of Pure Land," is considered the largest documented natural purple star sapphire globally, according to Ashan Amarasinghe, a gemologist and geological consultant.

Amarasinghe told reporters, "This is the largest purple star sapphire of its kind," adding that the gem "displays a clear six-rayed asterism, which is remarkable compared to other stones."

The fully polished gemstone is owned by the Star of Pure Land Team, who preferred to remain anonymous for security reasons.

One of the owners said it was discovered in a gem pit near the remote town of Rathnapura, known as the "City of Gems," in 2023.

The stone was purchased along with other gems in the same year, and about two years later, the owners realized it was a unique specimen, after which it was certified by two independent laboratories.

Amarasinghe noted that international valuations place the gem’s estimated worth between $300 and $400 million.

Sri Lankan sapphires are renowned for their unique color, exceptional clarity, and distinctive brilliance.