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‘Queen of Asia’: World’s largest corundum sapphire pebble unveiled in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka, which is very well known as the gem island all over the world proves its majesty again with the world’s largest natural corundum blue sapphire. Recently local people accidentally found the world’s largest star sapphire cluster in a backyard. The gem rich island has never failed to lead its name in the gem & jewellery industry and has earned around half a billion dollars through the export of gems, diamonds and other jewellery according to local gem and jewellery bodies.

On Sunday 12th December, Sri Lankan gem authorities put on show the world’s largest natural corundum blue sapphire weighing 310kg (680 pounds) at the residence of one of the gem pit owners in Horana, which is located 65km south of Colombo. A group of Buddhist monks chanted their blessings for the gemstone before it was unveiled following traditional values. The gem was found in a gem pit about three months ago in the gem rich Ratnapura area where the previously mentioned world’s largest star sapphire cluster was found. Ratnapura is known to be the gem capital of Sri Lanka, which leads the island’s gem industry as the biggest exporter of sapphires and other precious gems.

After examining the sapphire, local gemologists said that it was one of the rarest gems in the world because it weighs more than 300 kg. International organisations are yet to certify the precious stone according to news reports. In a statement issued by the National Gem & Jewellery Authority of Sri Lanka, it is mentioned that this is one of the largest corundum ever recorded in Sri Lanka and this specimen is indeed a rare specimen and not recorded in the gemological literature. The statement was issued by expert gemologists Mr. H.J.Chemachandra, Mr. M.H.S.Wickramsinghe and consultant of gem laboratory of National Gem & Jewellery Authority Dr.Prashant Francis.

With all these incidents, news reports and discoveries Sri Lanka is proving again and again that she ranks first place in the gem industry from all corners of the world. The country’s rich history of gems and the special incidents which took place during the British era and after independence still hold the evidence for its richness with unique natural resources.