
The world's biggest blue star sapphire weighing in at 1,404.49 carats (281 grams)has been found in a mine in Sri Lanka.This polished oval sapphire is as large as a person's palm.Gemologists in Colombo say the gem is worth at least $100 million, but could sell for up to $175 million.
Star sapphires get their name from the six-pointed star-shaped reflection that appears on their surface when they are polished.According to local media, the gem was discovered last August in Ratnapura, a town in southern Sri Lanka known as the "City of Gems."The current owner, who refused to be identified, told the sapphire was "destined to be a priceless museum piece" and that the stone is so big it "cannot set in any kind of jewelery.


"Britain's Princess Diana wore an engagement ring made from a blue oval sapphire from Sri Lanka encircled with diamonds, while Prince William's bride Kate Middleton wore a similar sapphire and diamond cluster, also using a Sri Lankan stone.The National Gem and Jewellery Authority of Sri Lanka said the royal ring had increased sales and demand for Sri Lankan sapphires around the world.

