Authorities say they have already received around 50 inquiries from foreign buyers for the world’s largest star sapphire cluster which was found in Sri Lanka.
A gem trader said the stone was found by workmen digging a well in his backyard at his residence in the gem-rich Ratnapura area.
Experts say the stone, which is pale blue in colour, has an estimated value of up to $100 million in the international market.
The cluster weighs around 510 kilograms or 2.5 million carats and has been named the “Serendipity Sapphire”.
“This was found 8 months ago, but we didn’t release the details due to the Covid situation in the country. We think we might be able to sell it even at a price of US$ 1 billion as it is a very rare stone,” the Sri Lanka Gem and Jewellery Authority Chairman said. (NewsWire)