Sri Lankan authorities on Sunday placed on present what they mentioned was the world’s largest pure corundum blue sapphire, weighing 310 kilograms (683 kilos), which was present in a gem pit about three months in the past.

Native gemologists, who’ve examined the sapphire, mentioned it was one of many rarest gems on this planet because it weighed greater than 300 kilograms (661 kilos). Worldwide organizations are but to certify the dear stone.

The sapphire was placed on show on the dwelling of one of many gem pit homeowners in Horana, 65 kilometers (40 miles) south of Colombo. A bunch of Buddhist monks chanted blessings for the gemstone earlier than it was unveiled.

The stone was discovered within the gem-rich Ratnapura space the place native folks had beforehand discovered the world’s largest star sapphire cluster in a yard accidentally.

Folks examine the blue sapphire, dubbed “Queen of Asia,” in Horana, Sri Lanka. Credit score: Ishara S. Kodikara/AFP/Getty Photos

Ratnapura is called the gem capital of the South Asian nation, which is a number one exporter of sapphires and different valuable gems.

The nation earned round half a billion {dollars} via the export of gems, diamonds and different jewellery final yr, the native gems and jewellery trade physique has reported.