Sri Lanka (Formerly Ceylon) is reputed to produce the finest of Gemstones and has the Largest concentration of gemstones (within the island nation of approximately 25,000 sq miles) than any other part of the world. From time immemorial Sri Lanka has been famous for its Sapphires.

Sri Lanka is considered one of the earliest sources of Ruby and Sapphires. The earliest mention is made in the Mahawansa. In 500BC a dispute between two tribal kings, arose due to a gem studded throne. Since then many ancient travelers to the east and Fareast have made graphic accounts of the magnificent gems they saw in Ceylon.

It is also believed that the valley of Rubies mentioned by Sinbad the sailor in the stories of Arabian nights is Ceylon. Legend also has it that king Solomon wooed the heart of Queen Sheeba with Sapphires from Ceylon (Sri Lanka).

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In the history of Sri Lanka from the first century A.D there are numerous scattered references to the precious and semi-precious stones of Sri Lanka (Anon, 1977). It is recorded in the Mahavamsa that the gifts of King Deanampiyatissa to the Emperor Asoka of India included gemstones.

Many early voyagers, including historians, geographers, astronomers and traders who visited Sri Lanka, have mentioned its gemstones in their writings. Some of these famous visitors to Sri Lanka and their accounts on the country's gemstones are as follows :

Fa-Hien (Fifth Century)

Fa-Hien was a famous Buddhist monk who visited Sri Lanka between 399 A.D. to 414 A.D. Fa-Hien written much about gem studded religious images in temples of Sri Lanka.

Marco Polo (thirteenth century)

Marco Polo, a Venetian traveler, stayed a few days in the "Island of Zeilan" in 1293. He states:

"The island produces more beautiful and valuable rubies than are found in any other part of the world. Likewise Sapphires, Topazes, Amethysts, Garnets and many other precious and costly stones. The king is supposed to process the grandest ruby that ever was seen, being a span in length, and the thickness of a man's arm, brilliant beyond description, and without a single flaw"

Ibn Batuta (fourteenth century)

An Arab traveler who visited Sri Lanka in the early fourteenth century, remarks on Sri Lanka's gems as follows:

"Gems are met with in all localities in the Island of Serandib. There are Red (Rubies), the yellow (Topazes) and the Blue (Sapphires) which they call nielem. All women in the island of Serandib possess necklaces of precious stones of divers colors; they wear them, also at their hands and feet, in the form of bracelets and anklets. I have seen on the forehead of the white elephant several of these precious stones, each of which was larger than a hen's egg"

Robert Knox (seventeenth century)

A sailor, in the service of the British East Indian Company, who was captured by the king of Kandy in 1660, refers to the island's precious stones:

"In this island are several sorts of precious stones, which the king of his part has enough of, and so careth not to have more discovery made. For in certain places where they (gem stones) are known to be, sharp poles are set up fixed in the ground, signifying that none upon pain of being struck and impaled upon those poles, presume so much as to go that way. Also there are certain rivers out of which it is generally reported they do take rubies and sapphires and cat's eyes for the king's use. An I have seen several pretty colored stones, some as big as cherry-stones and some as buttons, and transparent, but understood not what they were. Rubies and Sapphires I myself have seen there".

Special Fancy Cuts Special Fancy cuts are normally done on Semi-Preacious stones like Golden Citrine, Topaz, Quartz, Tourmaline etc as this involves much wastage. The design or shape of a Special-Cut is determined by the shape of the Rough form which would minimise wastage. Therefore cutting of Special designs depend on available roughstones. Smaller sizes (Below 3 cts) of Sapphires, Zircon, Spinel, Tourmaline etc are also cut wherever the rough shape permits such designs. For special cuts designs please see... Huge Pink Quartz Deposit of Namal National Park in Sri Lanka.

This huge Pink Quartz deposit is spread over an extent of 105 hectares in the Anuradhapura district in North West Sri Lanka, and is the largest known deposit in Asia and is 250 million years old. Light green clusters of foliage are found around the bottom of this deposit along ridges. The pink color can be seen from the light green background and is a gorgeous scene under a moonlit sky. This Pink Quartz range belongs to a superior stone category, and according to research, the mineral is known as Silicon Dioxide. The Silicon mineral is effused by the Vitanium mineral and thereby acquires the pink color. Discovery of Pink Quartz Beads in the surrounding areas subjected to archaeological excavations, and the use of pink Quartz to decorate the windows of the Tajmahal in India built by the Mogul Emperor, reveals that Pink Quartz had been obtained from this deposit. Gemstones & Astrology

Sometimes fortune-tellers use rock crystal in a form of crystal balls, believing that they are able to see people's future through them. Some gemstone crystals are used in healing. Another example is bloodstone, supposed to be beneficial for people suffering from high blood pressure.

From ancient times to the present, many people in Sri Lanka and elsewhere in the world believe that gemstones influence their lives in numerous ways. Astrologers claim that planets have an influence on some gemstones, and by wearing the appropriate stones in a piece if jewelry, people could achieve success and gain good health. According to astrology it is not only the pieces or variety of the gemstone, but also the characteristic color of the stone that brings the mysterious powers. It is also believed that a stone worn for astrological reasons should be totally clean and without defects, for example cracks and flaws. Additionally the size of the gemstone is also important. Generally astrologers advocate that single stone, worn on their own, should be at least 2 carats in weight.

The most common gemstones used for astrological effects are hessonite garnet (gomedaya) and almost jet blackish blue sapphires (kakaneela). It is noted that a set of 'navaratna' mounted in a piece of jewelry is also recommended by astologers in Sri Lanka.

Gemstones associated with different planets.

Nine varieties of gemstones used in navaratna jewelry vary according to the planets. 

The magical power associated with gemstones has been claimed by people for centuries throughout the world. Evil planetary influences, bad times or ill health can be overcome by wearing a particular gemstone.

American gemmological experts have found that no information has been traced so far leading to a source to follow any unusual treatment process in the Blue Sapphire treatment techniques in Sri Lanka. This was revealed by Christopher P. Smith, Manager Gemological Research (GIA) at a discussion held with traders and gemmologists in Sri Lanka at the Holiday Inn recently. The discussion followed a request from T. Rusiripala, Chairman, National Gem and Jewellery Authority to scientifically prove data and correct quantitative chemical analysis of the suspected objects on a controversial phenomenon which appeared in "AGTA Gemstone Update in October 2003, as revelations based on unverified sources would lead to tarnish the image of the industry on the whole. Rusiripala said that in December 2002 the Be.Lattice diffusion experiments carried out by American Gemmologists and Traders Association (AGTA) had produced certain special characteristics, which were rather unusual leading to speculation that some treatment other than 'simple heating' had taken place. This phenomenon had been described as a light blue to a near colourless rim surrounding a deep blue colour when viewed from different directions. The boundary between the central blue colour and the outer rim could be seen to be undulating. He said that no more sapphires with this colour distribution had been observed between December 2002 and June 2003. Again some more stones with these unusual characteristics had been found in June creating doubts among the traders. However, the laboratories involved in the experiments had stated that it was inappropriate to speculate beyond stating that this process does not appear to be one that they can recognise as being "Normal Heat Treatment" and as no Be has thus far been found it does not appear to be a process involving the diffusions of Be. The Chairman said that further laboratory tests are being carried out to see how it transpires in the future and as such no one should have any doubts on this matter at present. Rusiripala said that according to the norms in the trade, traders are expected to divulge the treatment given to stones and disclose the special care requirements to the purchaser and problems arise if they don't divulge the truth.

Famous Gems from Sri Lanka

The Princess Diana Sapphire, an 18-carat oval blue that format the centerpiece of her engagement ring The star of Indian (above) of 563 carats is the largest cut star sapphire and, in point of fact, came from Sri Lanka.(Morgan- Tiffany Collection, American Museum of Natural History in new York) Logan Sapphire 423 Carats donated by Mrs. A. John to Smithsonian Institute is considered to be the second largest blue sapphire was found in Sri Lanka. Bismark Sapphire 27x21.7x15.5 mm donated to Smithsonian Institute by Countess Mona Bismark was found in Sri Lanka. Belle of Asia of 400 carats discovered in a paddy at Pelmadulla in 1926 is a magnificent peacock blue color and of excellent clarity. It is the largest sapphire in the British Crown Jewels. Star of Lanka of 362 carats has a rich deep blue color and a well-defined six-rayed star. It is reputed to be the third largest star sapphire known of this quality. (National Gem and Jewellery Authority of Sri Lanka) Coeur de la Mer, a 170 carats sapphire used by Asprey and Garrett to recreate Rose’s Titanic necklace In 1998 a Blue Sapphire of 856 Carat was found in a gem pit at Hakamuwa (Ratnapura District). In 1999 a Blue Sapphire of 8,042 Carats was found in a gem pit at pelmadulla. In 2000 Fine Blue Sapphire weighing 2516 Carats was found at Ellawala Blue Sapphire of 4,002 Carats was found at Neelagama. In 2001 Deep Blue Sapphire 254 Carats was found at Ganegama in Pelmadulla area. The largest known Sapphire in the world weighing 42lbs (19kg) was found in Sri Lanka. A 92 Carats best Quality Blue Sapphire was found in Sri Lanka. A 392.92 Carats Star Sapphire which is supposed to be the worlds 3rd largest star stone is held by the state. Blue Giant of the Orient of 486 carats mined in Ratnapura district back in 1907 measures 62x48x19 mm. A 825 Carats Orange Sapphire was found at Kuruwita area. The Great Aqua of Sri Lanka. Gem of 946 carats acquired by a Saudi prince. Rossar Reeves Star Ruby 138.7cts Star of Lanka 293cts.

Locations of the World Famous Sri Lankan gems American Museum of Natural History Star of India (Blue) 563 Carats (Origin Sri Lanka) Midnight Star (Purple) 116 Carats Padparasha 100 Carats Smithsonian Institute, Washington D.C Logan Sapphire (Blue) 423 Carats Royal Ontario Museum, Canada  Golden Yellow Sapphire 179.4 Carats Greenish Yellow Sapphire 43.95 Carats

2003 Year of the Sapphire Blue Sapphire Declared National Gem of Sri Lanka Japan Jewelry Association Sri Lanka Sapphires The Sri Lanka Blue Sapphire is known for its beauty - possessing the glorious cornflower blue shade - as well as for being one of the few sapphires in the world that can be sold as a completely natural stone without heat treatment. Sri Lanka sapphires also come in beautiful hues including pink, yellow, orange, green, purple, lavender and padparasha sapphire - named after the lotus flower. Most fine sapphire on the market today are from Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka produces a wide range of colors. From beautiful blues to rich saturated hues. The most valuable sapphires have a medium intense, vivid blue color. The best sapphires hold the brightness of their color under all different types of lighting. Any black, grey, or green overtones mixed in with the blue will reduce a stone's value. In general, a more pastel blue would be less preferred than a vivid blue but would be priced higher than an overly dark blackish-blue color. As with all gemstones, sapphires, which are "clean" and few visible inclusions or tiny flaws are the most valuable. Varieties Colored varieties, star sapphire, Color Change sapphire. Sources Sri Lanka, Kashmir (India), Burma, Thailand, Australia, Tanzania, Kenya, Montana, Madagascar. Hardness 9 Toughness Excellent, except in laminated or fractured stones. Other Distinguishing Properties Refractive Index -1.762 - 1.770 Specific Gravity -4.00 Precautions Sapphires may fade if heated. Treatments Natural sapphires undergo heat treatments to enhance color. Gems with latent chemical components for good color are "ripened" to a desirable color through heating. Treatment of blue stones is permanent. In Sri Lanka Blue Sapphires are widespread and occurs mostly among the secondary sedimentary deposits as water worn pebbles. Most of the world famous blues are from Sri Lanka. Most of the largest Sapphires in museum collections around the world are from the gravels of Sri Lanka. Star Sapphires Sapphires that show a star-like light effect are called star sapphires; the most famous star sapphire from Sri Lanka is displayed in the museum of Natural History in New York. Star Sapphires or Star Rubies display a star-like markings and this effect, commonly known as asterism, occur when light falls on the cut stone, cut in the cabochon form, and three rays appear giving a six-point star. However, stone with six rays have also been known to occur. Ruby or Sapphire Ruby and Sapphire of all colors are the varieties of gems in the corundum Species of minerals. Basically Corundum is composed of Aluminium Oxide (Al2O3) and it has no color but when chromium (Cr) is present it produces red color which is called Ruby. Any other color of corundum is called Sapphire with the prefix for color. Blue Sapphire is produced when Titanium and Iron are present in very small quantities as impurities or Iron alone causes yellow color in corundum. There are also other colors such as Green, Brown, Orange, Violet and Reddish Orange. Pure corundum is colorless. The red variety is termed "Ruby". Blue Corundum is called Blue Sapphire. All other colors except "Pathmaraga" are simply termed Sapphire with color designating prefix such as Yellow Sapphire, Pink Sapphire and Green Sapphire. Corundum is Aluminium Oxide (AL2O3), (Fe2O3), (Cro3) Substituting in Sapphire of various colors. In Blue Sapphire Titanium is present in addition to iron. The mineral is a member of Trigonal crystal system. Hardness Scale