A 101-carat extremely rare, vivid red rough from Mozambique, named ‘Estrela de Fura,’ is the largest gem-quality ruby ever discovered, revealed Fura Gems Inc. 

The Dubai-based company unveiled its historic discovery at an event hosted by DMCC at the Dubai Diamond Exchange. According to Fura Gems, the ruby, whose Portuguese name translates to Star of Fura, is “unrivalled,” thanks to its extremely rare vivid red hue, fluorescence and clarity.

The ruby also shines the spotlight on Mozambique as a source of premium-quality rubies since for centuries, the finest of rubies have been synonymous with Mogok in Burma. In fact, recent scientific exploration has revealed that Mozambique rubies are over 475 million years older than those of Burma.

Dev Shetty, founder and CEO of Fura Gems, remarked, “With over two years of production, Fura has proven its ruby mine in Mozambique to be a world-class deposit. This discovery is an unprecedented occurrence.”

Industry experts have confirmed the exceptional characteristics of Estrela de Fura. Dr. Daniel Nyfeler, managing director of Gübelin Gem Lab, explained that the ruby is likely to yield an intense, saturated red colour once faceted. 

“Compared to most rubies, including those from Burma, which tend to be fairly included when reaching sizes above 5 carats, this ruby is relatively free of eye-visible inclusions. Considering its very large size, the vivid red colour, and clarity characteristics of this ruby give it an extraordinary potential to become one of the largest high-quality faceted rubies ever seen,” noted Nyfeler.

Dr. Adolf Peretti, owner and CEO of GRS GemResearch Swisslab, agreed, calling it “the most consequential and promising gemstone ever tested” in his career. The ruby’s characteristics – its fluorescence, vivid red colour and excellent clarity – are normally encountered only in Mogok mines.

“Estrela de Fura provides the potential to achieve the new world record of being the finest gem-quality ruby ever found with a size of over 50 carats once it goes through the final cutting process,” remarked Peretti.

The ruby is being showcased in Dubai on appointment only before it is placed for private auction in October. Fura Gems will allocate 2 per cent of sales proceeds to the establishment of the Fura Training Academy in Mozambique.