Gemologists in Sri Lanka claim that the largest blue star sapphire yet has been discovered. The gemology institute has certified that the gem weighs 1404.49 carats and say they have not certified anything larger.
The gem is valued at at least $100 million and the current owner estimates that it could sell for up to $175 million at auction.
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Sri Lanka’s gem industry, for which sapphire is the main export, is worth at least £70 million ($103 million) annually.
Blue star sapphires are so named because of the distinctive mark found at their centre.
The new gem was mined in the city of Ratnapura, in southern Sri Lanka, which is known as the City of Gems.
It has been named the The Star of Adam, after a Muslim belief that Adam arrived in Sri Lanka after being sent away from the Garden of Eden.
