Web Exclusive

World's largest night-shining jewel displayed in S China

By Hao Yan (chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2010-11-22 13:55

The world's largest luminous pearl is displayed in Wenchang, South China's Hainan province, Nov 21, 2010. Weighing six tons and 1.6 meters in diameter, the pearl is the largest ever discovered and estimated to be worth two billion yuan ($301.197 million). [Photo/Asianewsphoto]

The world's largest night-shining jewel, with a diameter of 1.6 meters and a weight of six tons, was shown to the public for the first time in the Palace of Valuable Jade in China's southern Hainan province, chinanews.com reported Sunday.

Zheng Baoshi, vice-president of the Jewelry Association of China, said experts estimate the night-shining jewel is worth 2.2 billion yuan ($331 million).

The night-shining jewel was discovered in an irregular shape, and the shaping process took three years, Zheng said.

A night-shining jewel shines brightly in a dark environment.

The palace displayed more than 200 pieces of natural artworks and gemstones, such as a stalactite in the shape of a spaceship, a fine jade resembling a sleeping beauty, and grotesque stones.

The world's largest luminous pearl is displayed in Wenchang, South China's Hainan province, Nov 21, 2010. Weighing six tons and 1.6 meters in diameter, the pearl is the largest ever discovered and estimated to be worth two billion yuan ($301.197 million). [Photo/CFP]