Sri Lankan gemologists say that the largest blue star sapphire ever found has been uncovered in a mine in the island state.
A gemology institute in the Sri Lankan capital of Colombo has certified that the gem weighs 1,404.49 carats and says it has not certified anything larger, according to media reports.
"The gem is valued at least $100 million and the current owner estimates that it could sell for up to $175 million at auction," according to a BBC report.
All of Sri Lanka's annual gem exports only amount to $103 million.
"The moment I saw it, I decided to buy," said the owner, who has requested anonymity.
"When the stone was brought to me I suspected that it might be the world's largest blue star sapphire so I took a risk and bought it."
The owner said the price he paid for the gem was "absolutely confidential".
The gem was found in Ratnapura, in southern Sri Lanka, which is known as the City of Gems.
It has been named The Star of Adam by its current owner, after a Muslim belief that Adam arrived in Sri Lanka after being sent away from the Garden of Eden.
It is claimed he then lived on the slopes of a mountain now known as Adam's Peak.
