An exceptional Mozambique ruby, described as one of the greatest gem discoveries of the century, is set to dazzle the auction world at Sotheby’s New York in June.

The 55.22-carat Estrela de Fura (Star of Fura in Portuguese) is also the largest gem-quality ruby to ever appear at auction, according to coloured gemstone miner Fura Gems.

Officially named Estrela de Fura 55.22, the stone features a rich saturation of colour, untouched by heat treatment, highly crystalline appearance and incomparable size. It is estimated to fetch more than US$30 million – making it the most valuable and important ruby ever to come to market. The gem-quality rough ruby, weighing 101 carats, was unearthed in Montepuez, Mozambique by Fura Gems in 2022.

Its discovery further shone the spotlight on Mozambique as a rich source of premium-quality rubies. 

“Estrela de FURA is poised to make history as it sets to surpass The Sunrise Ruby, a 25.59-carat ruby of Burmese origin, which sold for US$30.3 million at Sotheby’s Geneva in 2015, and still holds the world auction record for a ruby,” the auction house said.

A report from the Swiss Gemmological Institute (SSEF) meanwhile said, “A natural ruby from Mozambique of this size and quality can be considered very rare and thus an exceptional treasure of nature.” 

Global audiences can view the stone while it is on a worldwide tour, which includes various destinations like Hong Kong, Taipei, China, Singapore, Geneva and Dubai before it take centre stage at Sotheby’s Magnificent Jewels auction in New York on June 8.