A man from Sri Lanka is claiming to have discovered the world's largest ever cluster of star sapphires in his very own back yard. As if that wasn't crazy enough as it is, he also says to have found the large precious stone completely by accident!
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The world's biggest sapphire stone
After analysis of the gem stone, local Sri Lankan authorities are now saying that, what they are calling the largest ever sapphire discovered, could be worth as much as £72 million on the international market.
As it turns out, the discovery happened during renovations that were being done by workmen just outside of his house. Apparently, a well was being dug when it was found in the back yard of the property owner. Coincidentally enough, the man who is claiming discovery also happens to be a third generation gem trader.
2.5 million carats
The massive stone weighs a total of 510 kilograms, or around 2.5 million carats and has been given the name 'Serendipity Sapphire.' The man, who wishes to remain unnamed for safety reasons said about the very serendipitous discovery:
The person who was digging the well alerted us about some rare stones. Later we stumbled upon this huge specimen.
Dr Gamini Zoysa, a leading boffin in the gemstone world commented:
I have never seen such a large specimen before. This was probably formed around 400 million years ago.
Thilak Weerasinghe, the Chairman of the National Gem and Jewellery Authority of Sri Lanka, said:
It is a special star sapphire specimen, probably the biggest in the world. Given the size and its value, we think it will interest private collectors or museums.
