Sri Lanka’s Gemstone Bounty: A Complete Guide to 50+ Rare and Precious Gems

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Sri Lanka’s Gemstone Bounty: A Complete Guide to 50+ Rare and Precious Gems

Sri Lanka’s Gemstone Bounty: A Complete Guide to 50+ Rare and Precious Gems

Sri Lanka, dubbed the "Island of Gems", is one of Earth's most mineral-rich lands, producing over 75 varieties of gemstones – more than any single country except Brazil. For over 2,500 years, its gravel beds have yielded legendary stones like the 400-carat Blue Belle Sapphire and the rarest Ekanite.

1. The Corundum Family: Sri Lanka’s Crown Jewels

Blue Sapphire (Ceylon Sapphire)

  • Color Range: Cornflower blue to velvety midnight hues
  • Rarity: 85% of global supply from Ratnapura mines
  • Value: $800–$20,000+/carat (untreated stones)

Padparadscha Sapphire

  • Unique Trait: Sunrise-like pink-orange hues
  • Source: Limited to Balangoda region
  • Market: $15,000–$50,000/carat at auctions
Geological Fact: Sri Lanka's corundum deposits formed during the Gondwana supercontinent shift 550 million years ago.

2. Garnets: A Rainbow of Choices

Type Color Mining Area
Almandine Deep Red Rakwana
Rhodolite Purple-Red Embilipitiya

3. Rare & Obscure Gemstones

  • Taaffeite: 1,000x rarer than diamond
  • Ekanite: Contains radioactive thorium
  • Kornerupine: Top 5 in Japanese collections

4. Gemstone Buying Guide: 5 Sri Lankan Insider Tips

  1. Demand NGJA certification
  2. Verify heat treatment disclosure
  3. Visit Ratnapura mines for best prices

Why Sri Lankan Gems Dominate Global Markets

With unmatched geological diversity and 2,500 years of expertise, Sri Lanka remains the ultimate destination for gem enthusiasts. Download our free Gemstone Map to start your collection journey!

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