Gems are naturally occurring precious or semi-precious stones that are typically cut, polished, and used in jewelry and ornamentation. They are prized for their beauty, rarity, durability, and value. There are lot of gem types wide in all around world. Compared with other countries' gems, Sri Lankan gems have special natural reasons.
1. Exceptional Quality and Color
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Ceylon (Sri Lankan) gems are known for their vivid, clean, and vibrant colors.
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For example, Ceylon sapphires have a bright, cornflower or royal blue that is highly sought after
2. Home of the Padparadscha Sapphire
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One of the rarest and most valuable sapphires in the world.
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A pink-orange gem, unique to Sri Lanka’s geology.
3. Ethical and Sustainable Mining
Sri Lanka is known for its eco-friendly, artisanal mining practices.
Most mines are small-scale and manual, reducing environmental impact.
Strong regulations help protect miners and ecosystems.
Type of Gems.
1. Ruby
Considered to be the most valuable gemstone variety in the corundum mineral species, the distinct red in ruby is caused by the presence of chromium. The color spectrum of rubies found across the world varies from orange-red to purplish red. Color is the most significant factor affecting a ruby’s value: fine gems are a pure, vibrant red to slightly purplish red. Most Sri Lankan ruby varieties are of a pinkish red and display a tint of purple, caused by the presence of iron in addition to chromium oxide, which is unique to their Sri Lankan origin. Better quality has often been found within the Embilipitiya – Udawalawe area.
2. Sapphire
Sri Lanka is the top source of the finest Ceylon sapphires for the global market and exports Ceylon blue sapphires, star sapphires, and a range of fancy sapphires to the global gem markets. In addition to their ornamental purposes, sapphires are also used in purely functional applications, such as infrared optical components, high-durability windows, wristwatch crystals and movement bearings, and very thin electronic wafers.
3. Aquamarine
Found in green-blue to blue color variations, aquamarine crystals get the blue tone due to the presence of iron within the crystal. They are comparatively large and well-formed, and the depth of sea blue color is most intense in large specimens, while the color in smaller stones is comparatively lighter. Unlike other colored gemstones, aquamarine’s value comes primarily from its tone rather than the hue and saturation, and stones with darker tones are highly priced and sought after. This gem's most popular areas are Rathnapura, Rakwana, Galle, and Matara.
4. Topaz
A versatile species of gemstones, topazes are available in a variety of colors and colorless forms. Often identified by the hue name, such as pink or blue topaz, some of the most expensive and rare topaz have commercial names given to them. The high-value red and pink stones are known as Imperial Topaz, while the terms Precious Topaz or Sherry Topaz refer to stones with a rich yellow to a medium, peachy orange color.
5. Agate
A translucent variety of microcrystalline quartz, Agate is a semi-precious chalcedony occurring in a wide range of colors, including brown, white, red, grey, pink, black, and yellow. The colors are caused by traces of oxides of iron, manganese, titanium, chromium, nickel, and other elements and occur as alternating bands within the stone. Patterns of color or moss-like inclusions may distinguish this stone from other forms of chalcedony, and Sri Lanka is popular for blue-tinted agate.
