Sri Lanka is world-famous for its precious and semi-precious gemstones, and it’s often referred to as the “Gem Island” or the “Ratna Dweepa” in Sanskrit, which means “Island of Gems.” The country has a rich history of gem mining dating back over 2,000 years, and its gems have been highly prized in ancient and modern times alike.
🛠️ Gem Mining in Sri Lanka
- Mining Areas: Ratnapura (which literally means “City of Gems”) is the gem capital of Sri Lanka.
🏛 Key Gem Museums & Centres in KandyWhat You’ll See / Do There
#.Showroom / Sales: All these places also sell jewellery, loose stones, etc.
#.Exhibits of gems: precious & semi‑precious, natural and cut stones. Some are in raw form (in rock), some polished.
#.Simulated mine displays: models showing how gems are mined, sometimes with ambient effects. E.W. Balasuriya has a simulated mine experience.
#.Gem cutting / jewellery making workshops: see how rough stones are labored into finished gems & jewellery. Some places have labs for testing stones.
#.Educational info: about geology, gem formation, gemmology, classification, local gem history.
The Natural Gems and Gemmological Museum in Kandy FREE ENTERNES TO VISIT
💎 Gem Cutting and Trading
- Sri Lanka is renowned not just for mining but also for its expertise in gem cutting and polishing.
- Colombo and Ratnapura host many gem markets and cutting centers.
- Sri Lankan lapidaries are skilled in bringing out the best color and clarity from rough stones.
🌍 International Reputation
- Sri Lankan gems have a strong reputation in Europe, the Middle East, and East Asia.
- The country exports gems to major markets such as the USA, Thailand, Hong Kong, and Switzerland.
- Sri Lanka has also hosted international gem exhibitions, like FACETS Sri Lanka, to promote its gem industry.
🧿 Cultural and Spiritual Importance
- Gems play a big role in Sri Lankan culture and astrology.
- Many locals wear gems for protection, good luck, and healing.
- Gemstones are often set in traditional astrological rings based on the wearer’s horoscope.
🌟 Famous Gemstones from Sri Lanka
Here are some of the most well-known gemstones found in Sri Lanka:
1. Blue Sapphire
- Sri Lankan blue sapphires are considered some of the finest in the world.
- Known for their clarity, size, and vibrant color.
- The Logan Sapphire and the Blue Belle of Asia (400+ carats) are famous examples from Sri Lanka.
2. Ruby
- While not as abundant as sapphires, Sri Lanka also produces high-quality rubies.
3. Padparadscha Sapphire
- A rare and valuable pink-orange sapphire unique to Sri Lanka.
- The name comes from the Sinhala word for lotus blossom.
4. Cat’s Eye Chrysoberyl
- Known locally as “Sitralu” or “Lehsunia”, this gem shows a unique light reflection resembling a cat’s eye.
- Very popular in astrology and Vedic traditions.
5. Alexandrite
- A color-changing gemstone that appears green in daylight and reddish-purple in incandescent light.
6. Spinel
- Often mistaken for rubies in ancient times.
- Found in various colors, especially red and pink.
7. Garnet, Zircon, Tourmaline, Topaz, Quartz, and Moonstone
- These semi-precious stones are also widely mined and cut in Sri Lanka.
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