Gemstones of Sri Lanka

For centuries and perhaps the last thousand years, Sri Lanka has reined as
the king of the world's gem producing nations. Sri Lanka has been the
world's centre for coloured gemstones and from time immemorial has given the
world many diverse facets of romantic overtones. Among them is that Prince
Charles mesmerised Lady Diana with an engagement ring, set with a priceless
Blue Sapphire. The Blue Sapphire is Sri Lanka's gem supreme and can be
considered the highest prized of all gems, while being second only to the
diamond in hardness. The largest known Sapphire in the world weighing 42
pounds, was found in the gem gravels of Sri Lanka.

A well-known legend says that in Biblical times, King Solomon in his wisdom
used precious stones from the paradise isle to woo the Queen of Sheba.
Factually, Solomon sent emissaries to the City of Gems in the Orient
(Ratnapura in Sri Lanka) to procure the precious stones that won him the
hand, and then the heart of Queen Sheba. Since, and even before, Sri Lanka's
priceless gems have dazzled kings and rulers.

These coloured precious stones have adorned their crowns and thrones and
bedecked royalty world over, including Queen Victoria, in recent times,
according to diverse sources on gems and jewellery.

In the Adventures of Sinbad in Serendib (Sri Lanka) Sinbad became a
household word among the Arabs and Jazirat Kakut or Island of Gems became
equally known.

The Great Aqua of Sri Lanka, with a weight of 1,890 carats in the rough is
the largest gem found in the island. This aquamarine yielded a sparkling gem
of 946 carats, which became part of a royal collection when acquired by a
Saudi prince.

Gems are deeply embedded in the traditional beliefs and religious life of
the majority of Sri Lankans. Sinhalese mythology says that rubies were born
when heavenly beings (gods) sprinkled the land with dew. Priceless gems are
among the treasures kept in the relic chambers of great Buddhist stupas.

Many people all over the world attribute occult powers to gems.

They believe that certain kinds of precious stones have the power to ward
off evil planetary influences. Many of the world's leading gem collectors
believe that every precious stone carries with it different therapeutical
properties and wearing of such stones prevents and cures diseases.

Today, approximately 25,000 men and women are employed in Sri Lanka's
jewellery manufacturing industry, according to National Gem and Jewellery
Authority (NGJA) statistics. Traditional jewellery worn by Sri Lankans is
handcrafted and intricately designed. However, to meet the demands of the
international market, simple and contemporary designs are introduced. The
finished pieces display a high degree of Sri Lankan ingenuity. The major
buyers of Sri Lankan jewellery are Germany, Japan, the United States and the
United Kingdom.

According to geological surveys, 90 per cent of the country is estimated to
be potential gem bearing land and the earth's greatest concentration of fine
gems are found here with over 60 varieties of precious and semi-precious
stones, which include: Corundum - Ruby, Star Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Star
Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Golden Sapphire, Padparadscha, White Sapphire.
Chrysoberyl - Chrysoberyl Cat's Eye, Alexandrite, Alexandrite Cat's Eye,
Chrysoberyl. Spinel - Blue Spinel, Red Spinel, Mauve Spinel. Topaz - White
Topaz. Beryl - Aquamarine, White Beryl, Pale Green Beryl. Zircon - Green
Zircon, Yellow Zircon, Brown Zircon, Red and Blue Zircon (very rare).
Garnet - Rose red colored garnet, Red, Mauve, Hesonite Garnet, Spessartine
Garnet. Tourmaline - Green, Brown varieties. Quartz - Yellow, White, Brown,
Rose, Purple (Amethyst). Feldspar - Moonstone.

Sri Lanka's rare gemstones include: Andalusite, Apatite, Cordierite,
Diopside, Ekanite, Dpidote, Euclase, Fibrolite, Florite, Idocrase,
Kornerupine, Kyanite, Sinhalite, Scapolite, Taffeite.

A unique feature of Sri Lanka's gem pits is that there is almost never an
`illam' (deposit) of any one type of gem. Always there is an assorted
collection of stones like Spinels, Corundums (Sapphire and Ruby), Star
Stones, Cat's Eyes and many others.

Among the outstanding gemstones that Sri Lanka has produced in the
contemporary era are the Blue Giant of the Orient (466 carat), Logan Blue
Sapphire (423 cts), Blue Belle of Asia (400 cts), Rossar Reeves Star Ruby
(138.7cts), Star of Lanka (293cts.), Star Sapphire and Ray of Treasure (105
cts. Cat's Eye). The first three gems are on display at the Smithsonian
Institute in Washington USA. The Star of Lanka and the Ray of Treasure are
in the proud possession of the National Gem and Jewellery Authority.