Colombo, July 31 (IANS) A blue sapphire weighing approximately 80 kilograms was discovered in a gem mine in Rakwana, Ratnapura in Sri Lanka on Friday, local media reported.

The owner of the mine, Earl Gunasekara, was quoted by the local News First as saying that the gemstone will be put up for auction in China and it has been handed over to the National Gem and Jewellery Authority, the Xinhua news agency reported.

This gemstone is worth approximately $50 million, the owner said after its valuation was done.

The National Gem and Jewellery Authority have informed Gunasekara that 3,000 carats could be obtained after cutting the blue sapphire.

Earlier this week, officials said the world's largest star sapphire cluster was discovered from the backyard of a gem merchant's house in the country when workmen were digging to construct a well.

The cluster was valued at more than $100 million.

Officials said that this cluster, being held under tight security by the owner, was also expected to be sold at an international auction which will be held in China in November.

--IANS int/rs