Sri Lanka Unveils a Rare Purple Star Sapphire Claimed to Be the Biggest of Its Kind

Gemologist Ashan Amarasinghe holds what is said to be the world’s largest purple star sapphire at a ceremony in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on Jan. 17, 2026. Eranga Jayawardena/AP PhotoCOLOMBO, Sri Lanka—A Purple Star Sapphire weighing 3,563 carats which is claimed to be the world’s biggest of its kind was unveiled on Saturday in the Sri Lankan capital by the owners, who are ready to sell the precious stone which is estimated to be worth at least $300 million.The round shaped gem named “Star of Pure Land” is the world’s largest documented natural purple star sapphire, said Ashan Amarasinghe, a consultant gemologist.