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World’s largest star sapphire cluster found in backyard in Ratnapura

27 July 2021 02:03 pm - 21     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Sri Lankan authorities say the world's largest star sapphire cluster has been found in a backyard - by accident.

A gem trader said the stone was found by workmen digging a well in his home in the gem-rich Ratnapura area. Experts say the stone, which is pale blue in colour, has an estimated value of up to $100 million in the international market.

The cluster weighs around 510 kilograms or 2.5 million carats and has been named the "Serendipity Sapphire". "The person who was digging the well alerted us about some rare stones. Later we stumbled upon this huge specimen," Mr Gamage, the owner of the stone, told the BBC. He did not want to give his full name or location for security reasons. Mr Gamage, who is a third-generation gem trader, informed authorities about the find, but it took more than a year to clean the stone of mud and other impurities before they could analyse and certify it.

During the cleaning process, Mr Gamage said some stones fell out of the cluster and they were found to be high quality star sapphires.

Ratnapura, which means city of gems in Sinhalese, is known as the gem capital of the South Asian country. Other valuable stones have been found there in the past. Sri Lanka is a leading exporter of sapphires and other precious gems.

Last year, the country earned around half a billion dollars through the export of gems, cut diamonds and jewellery. "I have never seen such a large specimen before. This was probably formed around 400 million years ago," Dr Gamini Zoysa, a renowned gemmologist told the BBC. Experts also point out however, that even though the specimen has a high carat value, all the stones inside the cluster may not be high-quality. The find comes as Sri Lanka's gem industry has suffered losses as a result of pandemic induced lockdowns.

Those working in the industry hope the "Serendipity Stone" will now attract international buyers and experts. "It is a special star sapphire specimen, probably the biggest in the world. Given the size and its value, we think it will interest private collectors or museums," Thilak Weerasinghe, the Chairman of the National Gem and Jewellery Authority of Sri Lanka, said. (BBC)


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  Comments - 21

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  • Jehan Tuesday, 27 July 2021 02:43 PM

    Doubtful???? Most of these are stunts to show something which is cheap as valuable.

    sampath Tuesday, 27 July 2021 02:59 PM

    OMG..! we can settle the loan installment of sri lanka

    Borat Tuesday, 27 July 2021 03:00 PM

    Please hide it from the present rulers otherwise what happened to sword from museum will happen

    Truth matter Tuesday, 27 July 2021 03:10 PM

    Is this stone is enough to save the country from an economic callope ?

    Concerned Tuesday, 27 July 2021 03:11 PM

    Congratulations.

    MirakRajBanda Tuesday, 27 July 2021 03:27 PM

    He invites unnecessary attention from Hyenas that plunder everything.

    KayEm Tuesday, 27 July 2021 03:28 PM

    This can help ease the BoP crisis

    BuffaloaCitizen Tuesday, 27 July 2021 03:34 PM

    Poof, what is this, ask Daisy Archie and she will take you to see more precious stones.

    Naya Nayana Tuesday, 27 July 2021 04:02 PM

    Ok let's pay all debts we owed so far to other countries.

    warren Tuesday, 27 July 2021 04:57 PM

    Perhaps it may end up in the hands of a "family" at zero cost for them. Who knows?

    Buddhist Tuesday, 27 July 2021 05:02 PM

    Don't let Daisy Achchi anywhere near the cluster!

    Bandu Tuesday, 27 July 2021 05:19 PM

    Its only $100 Million. Our debt is in Billions of $s.

    Thavamanis1400@gmail.com Tuesday, 27 July 2021 05:31 PM

    Congrats Why only pessimistic comments?

    roni Tuesday, 27 July 2021 06:04 PM

    Owner could be given a parliamentary seat as falls into the bracket of privileged persons.

    Sapphire Tuesday, 27 July 2021 07:25 PM

    Soon star sapphire will be missing. Wait and see.

    Mohan Tuesday, 27 July 2021 08:41 PM

    Let's sell it quickly to solve the dollar problem.

    Angelo Pillay Tuesday, 27 July 2021 09:23 PM

    Big deal for now because very soon..... no address.

    Dee Tuesday, 27 July 2021 10:25 PM

    Pardon my ignorance. Can we issue a gazette for this?

    Gb Tuesday, 27 July 2021 10:28 PM

    This gov will find a way to rob this man of what he rightfully owns

    5 Han Wednesday, 28 July 2021 07:56 AM

    Value for the Stone is only size.. Other than that crappy meterial And no international buyer will buy it..

    Mahen Wednesday, 28 July 2021 09:17 AM

    would the owner get any thing from this stone? or it it be classified as a national treasure and custody under Mahinda and Co?


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