The Star of Adam

A Celestial Blue Marvel

The Star of Adam is not merely a gemstone; it is a geological phenomenon and a piece of natural history. Unearthed from the ancient gem gravels of Sri Lanka, this magnificent blue star sapphire is recognized by gemologists as the largest of its kind ever discovered, a true testament to the Earth's breathtaking power.

Attribute Detail Weight 1,404.49 Carats (280.898 grams) Gem Type Blue Star Sapphire (Corundum) Origin Ratnapura ("City of Gems"), Sri Lanka Discovery Date August 2015 Estimated Value Up to $300 Million (Privately held) Unique Feature Exceptional Asterism (The six-rayed star effect)

The Birth of a Billion-Year-Old Star

Origin and Formation:

The Star of Adam was discovered in the famed gem-rich region of Ratnapura, Sri Lanka—a place nicknamed the "City of Gems" for its centuries-old reputation as a source of the world's finest sapphires and rubies. The gemstone's massive size is a result of a slow and perfect crystallization process that took place deep within the Earth's crust over millions of years. Sapphire is a form of Corundum (aluminum oxide) that gets its blue color from trace elements like iron and titanium.

The World's Largest Blue Star Sapphire

The Phenomenon of the 'Star' (Asterism)

What makes the Star of Adam a star sapphire is the rare optical effect called asterism. This mesmerizing, six-pointed star that seems to float across the gem's surface is not magic—it's science.

• Cause: It is created by the reflection of light off millions of microscopic, needle-like inclusions (typically the mineral rutile) that are perfectly aligned within the sapphire crystal structure.

• Cut: For the star to be visible, the sapphire must be cut into a smooth, high-domed shape known as a cabochon, which the Star of Adam has been.

The Adam's Peak Naming

The anonymous current owner, a gem dealer who purchased the stone after its discovery, gave it the name 'The Star of Adam'. The name is a profound reference to a local religious legend tied to the island's most sacred mountain, Adam's Peak (or Sri Pada). According to the legend, it is believed that the Prophet Adam arrived in Sri Lanka after leaving the Garden of Eden and lived near the mountain. Some local beliefs even connect the bounty of gems found in the region to the legendary tears Adam shed seeking forgiveness. The owner stated that the stone was not merely a piece of jewelry, but an "exhibition piece," emphasizing its cultural and historical significance over its use in an adornment.

A Giant Among Jewels

Before the Star of Adam's unearthing, the title of the world's largest star sapphire was held by the Black Star of Queensland (733 carats). The Star of Adam, at over 1,400 carats, is nearly double the size of its predecessor, solidifying its place as a once-in-a-lifetime discovery and a true "1 in a Million" geological treasure. Its existence not only rewrites the record books but reinforces Sri Lanka's historical legacy as the "Jewel Box of the Indian Ocean."