In a mine in the city of Ratnapura, in Sri Lanka, in August 2016, was discovered the largest blue sapphire in the world, which received the name of “The Star of Asia” due to the characteristic mark it has in the center in the shape of a star and its origin. This precious gem has a weight of 1,404.49 carats.
According to expert Gemologists of Colombo, this gem is worth at least 100 million dollars; however, they consider that could be sold for up to 175 million dollars.
Sapphires belong to the Corundum species, which is the second hardest substance in the scale of Mohs (reference of mineral hardness), with a rating of 9, being surpassed only by Diamonds. They are called star sapphire because when polished, the shape of a six-pointed star appears on its surface.
Although there are star sapphires of colors such as pink, orange, yellow, green, lavender, gray and even black, the most wanted color is intense blue. The changes in the tones of a sapphire are due to coloring agents such as iron, titanium, vanadium, iron and chromium.
When studying a sapphire, you must take into account its color, preferring an intense blue; its lighting through the effect of the starlight of the six rays that make it up and the fact that it seems lighter under natural light, provided by the riffles that give it an star effect and its cut.
The owner of the Star of Asia, called the gem “The Star of Adam” since according to the Muslim belief, Adam the prophet came to Sri Lanka when God expelled him from the Eden. This millionaire buyer preferred not to be identified and did not reveal the sum he paid for the gem, he said that this piece should be showcased at a museum, since due to its size, it could not be exhibited in a jewelry store.
Recently, the demand for star sapphires has increased, after the engagement ring of the Duchess of Cambridge, which had been Princess Diana’s, was made public; the ring is made with a blue sapphire of Ceylon surrounded by diamonds and that almost immediately increased sales and demand of sapphires from Sri Lanka all over the world.
According to the Minister of Industry and Commerce of Sri Lanka, Rishad Bathiudeen, the export of gems has increased a 135%, going from 70 million dollars in 2010 to 165 million dollars in 2014. He also stated that the world demand for gems and jewelry will increase an average of 6% until 2020.
According to the zodiac, the sapphire is the stone of those born in the month of September and it is also the stone of the sign Taurus. On the other hand, beliefs consider it a powerful talisman of protection to travelers and seekers, and healing properties are attributed to it.
ALFA