The Fascinating World of Gems & Jewelry
Sri Lanka, known as the “Gem Island,” has a rich history of gemstone mining. The myth of the “Tears of Adam” suggests that the Prophet Adam’s tears, shed while seeking God’s forgiveness, enriched the gem fields around Adam’s Peak.
Historical figures like Marco Polo, Ibn Sina, and Ptolemy praised Sri Lankan gems for their beauty. These gemstones also appear in tales like Sinbad the Sailor, highlighting their global renown.
Sri Lankan gemstones, such as the vivid Ceylon Blue Sapphire, rare Rubies, and unique Padparadscha sapphire, are highly prized. Today, these gems continue to be celebrated for their exceptional beauty and cultural significance, making Sri Lanka a premier source of precious stones.
Key Gemstones
Ceylon Blue Sapphire
Ceylon Blue Sapphires are the best sought after gemstones, known for its exquisite quality and vibrant hue. It has been traded since early times, most notably by Arab traders that visited Ceylon (Sri Lanka). Ceylon Blue Sapphires are categorized as the finest Sapphires in the world, for their luster and their exceptional sizes. Other fine Blue Sapphires are found in Burma and Madagascar.
Ruby
Rubies, part of the Corundum family like sapphires, get their red color from chromium. Known for their vivid blood-red hue, rubies over 4 carats are rare and valuable. The finest rubies traditionally come from Burma, though newer sources in Mozambique and Tanzania have produced high-quality stones.
Padparadscha Sapphire
Padparadscha Sapphire, a variety of corundum, features a delicate blend of pink and orange hues, ranging from pinkish-orange to orangey-pink. Preferences vary, with some favoring a pale pink, while others prefer a more saturated orange. The name 'padparadscha' comes from the Sinhalese word 'padmaraga,' meaning lotus blossom, reflecting its romantic, flower-like colors.
Semi-Precious Stones
The first gemstone deposit found in Sri Lanka was the famous Moonstones, which are semi-precious stones. They are known to bring in good luck and wealth. To date, there are close to 55 different types of gemstones found along the riverbanks.
Semi-Precious stones include aquamarines, amethyst, garnets, topaz, quartz, citrine, peridot.
Cat’s Eye
&
Alexandrite
Cat’s Eye gems display a sharp ray resembling a cat’s eye, while Alexandrites are known for changing color from bluish-green in daylight to purplish-red in incandescent light. Both are highly valued and rare.
Emerald
Emeralds are prized for their rich green color and historical significance. Found in Colombia, Afghanistan, and Zambia, these gems are part of the Beryl family and are softer than sapphires but highly desired.