Did you know that the Mineralogy and Geology Gallery at Jardin des Plantes houses the largest sapphire ever discovered?
This jewel, called the “Great Sapphire” is extremely rare and approximately from 600 million years ago. It comes from Sri Lanka and was acquired by Louis 14th in 1669.
Fun fact, this gem was stolen in 1792 but fortunately retrieved the same year. It is a centerpiece in the museum.
Finally, at the very heart of the garden, also stands the majestic Cèdre de Jussieu, 300 years olds and a living symbol of French botanical history.
Introduced in 1743, this giant from Lebanon is one of the first specimens of its species in France, although its origin remains controversial, with some claiming it was stolen, rather than given away…the mystery remains.
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