$100 million blue star sapphire found in Sri Lanka

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Cheryl Santa Maria

Digital Reporter

Tuesday, January 5, 2016, 4:44 PM - A 1,404-carat blue star sapphire has been found inside a 42 kg rock in Sri Lanka. Current estimates suggest it could be worth $100 million and it could fetch as much as $175 million at auction.

Previously, the world's largest known blue star sapphire weighed 1,395 carats.

The sapphire was mined in the southern part of the city of Ratnapura, an area with a booming gem industry.

"The moment I saw it, I decided to buy," the current owner, who has chosen toremain anonymous, told the BBC.

"When the stone was brought to me I suspected that it might be the world's largest blue star sapphire. So I took a risk and bought it."

It's not clear how much he paid for the blue star sapphire, which gets its name from the distinct, star-like mark found near its centre.

The owner has named the gem the Star of Adam.

Many of the world's most famous sapphires, including the sapphire in the engagement ring of Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton and previously worn by Diana, Princess of Wales, come from Sri Lanka.

Source: BBC

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