“Blue Star” sapphires are so named because of the distinctive 6-rayed star, reflected from deep within their centre under a strong single light source.
This is the largest blue star sapphire in the world, weighing 1,404 carats and worth up to £120million. It has been discovered in Sri Lanka.
The previous record holder weighed 1,395 carats. However, gemologists in Sri Lanka claim that the larger blue star sapphire are yet to come out of the same a mine. This gem was mined in the city of Ratnapura, in southern Sri Lanka, which is known as the City of Gems. Sri Lanka’s gem industry is worth at least £70m ($103m) annually to the economy. Sapphire is the main export.
“The moment I saw it, I decided to buy,” the current owner, who wishes to remain anonymous, told the BBC World Service’s Newsday programme. “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.” The owner would not reveal how much he paid for it. It has been named the The Star of Adam by its current owner, after a Muslim belief that Adam arrived in Sri Lanka after being sent away from the Garden of Eden. It is claimed he then lived on the slopes of a mountain now known as Adam’s Peak. The owner of the Star of Adam said he bought it “not as a piece of jewellery but rather an exhibition piece. It so rare, precious and sacred. I just wanted that beautiful blue divine star energy around me.”