World’s largest six-ray purple sapphire, valued at $400 million, unveiled in Sri Lanka: What makes it so rare?

Gemstones and diamonds have been one of the most precious naturally produced things that are vouched for by everyone.They are of high monetary value, and also inseparable family heirlooms, passed on from generation to generation. While some of the most precious of these gemstones are embedded in ornaments of monumental importance worldwide, it is highly likely that some of them might not have been mined so far!The largest purple sapphire in the world, found in Sri Lanka has just been unveiled, and it is taking the headlines by storm!A whopping 3,563-carat purple star sapphire, called the "Star of Pure Land," has stunned the world after being unveiled in Sri Lanka's capital on January 17, 2026. Found in 2023 near Rathnapura, the "City of Gems", it was bought with other stones and only later recognised as extraordinary. The owners, from a secretive "Star of Pure Land Team," certified it with two international labs according to an AP report.The Star sapphires dazzle with asterism, or a shimmering six-ray star pattern created by rutile needle inclusions that dance with light and this massive gemstones perfection makes it more special. "This is the largest purple star sapphire of its kind," said gemologist Ashan Amarasinghe, according to ABC News. "It shows a well-defined asterism. It has six rays asterism. That’s something special out of all the other stones."Rathnapura has churned out world-class sapphires for centuries, known for vivid colour and clarity. According to a KSL report, one owner shared it came from a local pit but sat unnoticed for nearly two years until experts actually recognised its rarity.Polished to round perfection, the purple hue, which is rare in such size, sets it apart. Sri Lankan sapphires' shimmer has long drawn collectors, and this one's size blows records away.International valuers peg it at $300-400 million or 2490 to 3320 crore rupees, overcoming smaller rivals like the 14.62-carat Oppenheimer Blue Diamond or 11.15-carat Williamson Pink Star. "The value of the stone has been estimated at US$300 million to US$400 million by international valuers," Amarasinghe noted to Channel News Asia. Its combo of size, colour, and asterism could crown it among history's priciest gems.The anonymous team hides identities to dodge risks tied to mega-gems. No word on auction plans or museum displays yet, but buzz is building fast.