Gemstones have long played a significant role in Sri Lanka’s history and culture. Located on the Indian subcontinent, this tropical island nation is known for its rich deposits of a variety of precious and semi-precious stones. In this post, we’ll take a look at some of the most popular gemstones that are produced in Sri Lanka, including sapphire, ruby, spinel, tourmaline, and garnet.
Sapphire
Sapphires are a type of gemstone that belongs to the corundum family. They are known for their beautiful shades of blue, which is caused by the presence of iron and titanium in the crystal structure. However, sapphires can also be found in a range of other colors, including pink, yellow, and white. In Sri Lanka, sapphires are mined in the central and southern regions of the country, and are known for their high quality and clarity.
The process of mining and processing sapphires in Sri Lanka is quite labor-intensive. First, the rough stones are extracted from the earth using traditional methods such as open-pit mining or tunneling. Next, they are transported to a processing facility where they are sorted, cleaned, and graded based on their color, clarity, and other factors. Finally, the finished gemstones are cut and polished to bring out their full beauty and value.
Ruby
Like sapphires, rubies are also a type of corundum. They are known for their rich, red color, which is caused by the presence of chromium in the crystal structure. Rubies can also be found in shades of pink and purple, and are highly prized for their rarity and beauty. In Sri Lanka, rubies are mined in the central and southern regions of the country, and are known for their good clarity and color.
The process of mining and processing rubies in Sri Lanka is similar to that of sapphires. After being extracted from the earth, the rough stones are transported to a processing facility where they are sorted, cleaned, and graded. They are then cut and polished to bring out their full beauty and value.
Spinel
Spinels are a type of gemstone that belongs to the spinel group of minerals. They are known for their beautiful colors, which can range from red to pink to blue. In Sri Lanka, spinels are found in the central and southern regions of the country, and are known for their good clarity and color.
The process of mining and processing spinels in Sri Lanka is similar to that of sapphires and rubies. After being extracted from the earth, the rough stones are transported to a processing facility where they are sorted, cleaned, and graded. They are then cut and polished to bring out their full beauty and value.
Tourmaline
Tourmalines are a type of gemstone that belongs to the tourmaline group of minerals. They are known for their beautiful colors, which can range from black to green to pink to multi-colored. In Sri Lanka, tourmalines are found in the central and southern regions of the country, and are known for their good clarity and color.
The process of mining and processing tourmalines in Sri Lanka is similar to that of sapphires, rubies, and spinels. After being extracted from the earth, the rough stones are transported to a processing facility where they are sorted, cleaned, and graded. They are then cut and polished to bring out their full beauty and value.
Garnet
Garnets are a type of gemstone that belongs to the garnet group of minerals. They are known for their beautiful colors, which can range from red to orange to yellow. In Sri Lanka, garnets are found in the central and southern regions of the country, and are known for their good clarity and color.
The process of mining and processing garnets in Sri Lanka is similar to that of the other gemstones mentioned above. After being extracted from the earth, the rough stones are transported to a processing facility where they are sorted, cleaned, and graded. They are then cut and polished to bring out their full beauty and value.
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Conclusion
In summary, Sri Lanka is a major producer of a variety of gemstones, including sapphire, ruby, spinel, tourmaline, and garnet. These stones are mined and processed using traditional methods, and are known for their high quality and beauty. The gemstone industry plays a significant role in the economy and culture of Sri Lanka, and these precious stones are treasured by collectors and jewelry enthusiasts around the world.
