Portuguese 
Spanish 
Discovery Near Rathnapura: The Pure Earth Star Had Rare Asterism Confirmed in January After Independent Assessments and Entered the Radar of the Global Market for Historical Gems
A unique purple star sapphire was discovered in Sri Lanka, weighing 3,563 carats, named the Pure Earth Star, potentially one of the most valuable gems ever found, following a recent technical evaluation.
Found in 2023 in a mine near Rathnapura, known as the city of gems, the stone had its potential recognized two years later, after independent certifications.
The confirmation occurred this January, according to consulting gemologist Ashan Amarasinghe, responsible for the technical evaluation requested by the owners, who remain anonymous for safety.
-
China could reduce iron ore imports from 80% to 50% of consumption by 2030, while its share in global steel production falls from 52% to 46%, in a shift that could reshape the global market, says CMRG.
-
Brazil is sitting on one of the largest lithium reserves in the world, in the Jequitinhonha Valley, but national mining has almost become an appendage of China: 97% of the metal’s export goes to a single country, which also dominates refining.
-
Iron ore falls to 762 yuan in China as real estate sales decline and steel production hits lowest level since 2018
-
Brazil has minerals, clean energy, and a waiting market, but it could miss a billion-dollar opportunity if it doesn’t speed up the race for green minerals, while the steel industry seeks to reduce emissions.
Rare Asterism Distinguishes the Gem
According to Amarasinghe, the Pure Earth Star exhibits exceptional asterism, an optical effect that creates a well-defined star with six visible rays on the surface.
The phenomenon occurs due to the presence of microscopic needle-like inclusions of the mineral rutile, responsible for reflecting light precisely.
According to The Natural Sapphire Company, an ideal star sapphire displays a centered star, continuous rays, and balanced proportions from top to bottom.
These characteristics are considered extremely rare and are said to be fully present in the gem found in Sri Lanka, according to recent technical evaluations.
Evaluation and Value Projection of the Rare Sapphire
The official value has not yet been determined, but international appraisers estimate a price between US$ 300 million and US$ 400 million, as informed by Amarasinghe.
If confirmed, this figure would place the Pure Earth Star above famous stones like the Oppenheimer Blue, which sold for US$ 57.5 million in 2016.
Another parameter cited is the Williamson Pink Star, sold for US$ 57.7 million in 2022, amounts significantly lower than the current estimates.
Factors That Increase Value
Experts from Jeweler’s Touch explain that exceptional gems combine beauty, unique color, structural rarity, and a singular journey over time.
These elements transform certain stones into historical references in the international market, with symbolic and financial value that is practically immeasurable.
The discovery reinforces the relevance of Sri Lanka as a source of rare gems, maintaining the local tradition associated with specialized mining and cutting.
Before the recent certification, the stone remained under private analysis, without public exposure, awaiting complete technical confirmation of its characteristics.
With official recognition, the Pure Earth Star becomes part of the exclusive group of historical gems that redefine rarity parameters.
With information from O Globo.
