Sri Lanka, also known as the “Island of Gems,” has been a major source of high-quality gemstones for thousands of years. The country is particularly famous for its Ceylon Sapphires, which are renowned for their rich blue colour and high quality. In this article, we will explore the variety of sapphires and other gemstones found in Sri Lanka.
Ceylon Sapphires
Ceylon Sapphires, also known as Sri Lankan Sapphires, are one of the most famous gemstones found in Sri Lanka. These sapphires are formed from corundum, a mineral made up of aluminum oxide. Corundum can form in a variety of colours, but when it is blue, it is known as a sapphire.
Ceylon Sapphires are renowned for their rich blue colour, which is often described as “cornflower blue.” However, they also come in a range of other colours, including pink, yellow, green, orange, and purple. The colours are determined by the presence of trace elements within the crystal, such as iron, titanium, and chromium.
What makes Ceylon Sapphires so special is their high quality and clarity. Sri Lanka is known for producing some of the finest quality sapphires in the world, with excellent clarity and colour saturation. These sapphires are typically free of inclusions and have a high level of transparency, which makes them highly valued by collectors and jewellery makers.
One of the reasons why Sri Lanka produces such high-quality sapphires is because of the geology of the region. The island is located in an area of tectonic activity, which has resulted in the formation of a variety of different rock types. These rocks have undergone a process of metamorphism, which has led to the formation of mineral deposits, including corundum.
Sri Lanka has a long history of sapphire mining, with the industry dating back over 2,000 years. The island has a rich tradition of gemstone mining and has produced some of the most famous sapphires in history, including the Star of India and the Blue Belle of Asia.
In recent years, the Sri Lankan government has taken steps to regulate the gemstone industry and ensure that it is conducted in an ethical and sustainable manner. This has led to the establishment of a number of gemstone certification bodies, which verify the authenticity and quality of Sri Lankan gemstones.
Other Gemstones Found in Sri Lanka
Apart from sapphires, Sri Lanka is also home to a wide variety of other gemstones, including:
- Ruby: These gemstones are a variety of the mineral corundum, and are typically a deep red colour.
- Alexandrite: This gemstone is known for its unique colour-changing properties, which range from green to red.
- Cat’s Eye: This gemstone is a variety of chrysoberyl, and is known for its distinctive cat’s eye effect, which is caused by the reflection of light on needle-like inclusions.
- Tourmaline: This gemstone comes in a variety of colours, including pink, green, and blue.
- Garnet: This gemstone is typically a deep red colour, but can also come in green and yellow varieties.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Sri Lanka is a treasure trove of high-quality gemstones, particularly Ceylon Sapphires. These gemstones are renowned for their beauty, rarity, and high quality, and are prized by collectors and jewellery enthusiasts around the world.
