Sri Lanka found a 'huge' sapphire stone weighing more than 300kg

Sri Lankan authorities on December 12 displayed the world's largest natural blue sapphire, weighing 310kg.

Reuters reported that the sapphire stone was found in a gem mine about 3 months ago, then nicknamed "Asian Queen".

It was on display at the home of one of the owners of the gem mine in Horana.

Local gemologists examined the sapphire and said it was one of the rarest gemstones in the world as it weighed more than 3 quintals. International organizations have not yet certified this gem.

It is on display at the home of one of the owners of the gem mine in Horana, about 65km south of Colombo. Monks chanted in front of the giant sapphire stone before it was put on display.

The sapphire stone weighs 310kg.

The stone was found in the gem-rich Ratnapura area, where locals previously stumbled upon the world's largest cluster of star sapphires. Ratnapura is known as the "gem capital" of this South Asian country, a leading exporter of jade and gems.

Sri Lanka earned about $500 million through the export of gems, diamonds and other jewelry last year, according to data from the country's gem and jewelry industry body.