A Dubai-based company has opted to purchase the world’s largest single natural corundum occurring as a single crystal (blue sapphire), which was found in Sri Lanka last December, for $ 100 million (roughly Rs. 20 billion).
With a weight of around 310 kg (1.550,000 carats), it is named the “Queen of Asia”. It is currently located in Horana and was displayed to the media for the first time on 12 December 2021.
The owner of the gemstone was unwilling to reveal the exact location of the gem deposit where it was discovered, as it is still under exploration.
“We’re still researching and exploring this site. Revealing the location can disrupt the process,” he said.
At the time, gem researcher Chamila Suranga, who is also the Founder of the Gemmological Institute of Ratnapura, which owns the stone, said they expected to offer this gemstone to an international buyer for the highest price. He noted that this gemstone should be displayed in a museum for future generations.
Corundum is a crystalline form of aluminum oxide with traces of iron, titanium, and chromium.
Dubai firm to buy SL’s ‘Queen of Asia’ for $ 100 m
04 Jan 2022
Dubai firm to buy SL’s ‘Queen of Asia’ for $ 100 m
04 Jan 2022