Riverbed mining in a tributary of the Kalu Gamga




Removing gem gravel from the riverbed






Ancient Canoe recovered from the Kuru Ganga now in the
National Museum of Rathnapura




StoneAge implements recovered from gem pits.
Now in National Museum of Rathnapura

HANAPORUWA

Gems have been mined and cut in Sri lanka since ancient times.
Ancient records go far back into history -as far back as Arabian Nights ,Soloman & Sheeba,
Alexander the great, and the Mahavansa (247 BC).

This hand operated gem cutting machine HANAPORUWA has survived from ancient times,
and is still in use in the Rathnapura District. This traditional gem cutting equipment is a
simple mechanism. A high level of skill is required to operate, such as dividing the stone
into different number of facets and setting up angles of facets

Being a manual method, it is efficient in weight preservation.Therefore this method
of gem cutting and polishing was popularly used for cutting and polishing of large precious stones
such as Blue Sapphire, Padparadsha, Yellow Sapphire etc.. and also for cabochon cut stone such as
Star Sapphire and chrysoberyl cats eyes. Even today large precious Gemstones are being
preformed using the "HANAPORUWA"

Unfortunately this traditional technology was not developed over the period of its use;
therefore the output of it was later rejected by international markets for their in born weaknesses
such as poor accuracy in setting up angles and inability to obtain sharp flat facets etc.

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 ismade 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).

See Gemmological Information on a wide range of Gemstones.

->Click Here<-

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 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...

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.

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.

BLACK PRINCE RUBY 170 cts A magnificient RED SPINEL from Sri Lanka is the centerpiece in the Imperial state crown of the UK. This gem has a long history and Henry V has worn it on his battle helmet. --------- Spinel was recognized as a distinct gem variety only in the late 19th century. Until then Red Spinels have been mixed with Rubies due to the identical appearance in color and luster. Only recently the distinction could be made through hardness and x-ray tests.

STAR OF LANKA 393 cts A spledid Star Sapphire reputed to be the third largest Star Sapphire in its class. A rich deep blue with a well defined 6 rayed star. Presently owned by the National Gem & Jewellery Authority of Sri Lanka.

RAY OF TREASURE 105 cts A fine honey colored Chrysoberyl Cat's Eye with good transparency and a well defined Silver Ray. A flawless gem with perfect shape. Presently owned by the National Gem & Jewellery Authority of Sri Lanka.

STAR OF INDIA 563 cts The star of India is the largest cut star sapphire and came from Sri Lanka. Presently in the Morgan-Tiffany Collection, American Museum of Natural History New York

BLUE SAPPHIRES 18 cts The Princess Diana Sapphire, an 18-carat oval blue that format the centerpiece of her engagement ring .

MAHARANI CATS EYE Sri Lankan Chrysoberyl Cat's Eye 58.2 Carats Presently at Smithsonian Institute,USA.

TIMUR RUBY 361 cts This is another famous RED SPINEL from Sri Lanka, in the crown jewells of UK. Once owned by the Mogul Emperors of India has their names engraved on the gem. Now owned by Queen Elizabeth. --------- Spinel was recognized as a distinct gem variety only in the late 19th century. Until then Red Spinels have been mixed with Rubies due to the identical appearance in color and luster. Only recently the distinction could be made through hardness and x-ray tests.

Logan Sapphire 423 Cts

Donated by Mrs. A. John to Smithsonian Institute is considered to be the second largest blue sapphire was found in Sri Lanka.

Bismark Sapphire

Donated to Smithsonian Institute by Countess Mona Bismark was found in Sri Lanka.

Belle of Asia 400 cts Blue Sapphires

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.

Coeur de la Mer 170 cts

Sapphire used by Asprey and Garrett to recreate Rose’s Titanic necklace

Blue Sapphire 856 cts

In 1998 a Blue Sapphire was found in a gem pit at Hakamuwa (Ratnapura District).

Blue Sapphire 8,042 cts

In 1999 a Blue Sapphire was found in a gem pit at pelmadulla.

Blue Sapphire 2516 cts

In 2000 a Blue Sapphire was found at Ellawala

Blue Sapphire 4,002 cts

Blue Sapphire was found at Neelagama.

Blue Sapphire 254 cts

In 2001 a Blue Sapphire was found at Ganegama in Pelmadulla area.

Sapphire

The largest known Sapphire in the world weighing 42lbs (19kg) was found in Sri Lanka.

Blue Sapphire 92 cts

A Blue Sapphire 92 Carats best Quality was found in Sri Lanka.

Blue Sapphire 92 cts

Best Quality sapphire was found in Sri Lanka.

Blue Giant of the Orient 486 cts

Blue Giant of the Orient of 486 carats mined in Ratnapura district back in 1907 measures 62x48x19 mm.

Orange Sapphire 825 cts

A 825 Carats Orange Sapphire was found at Kuruwita area. .

The Great Aqua 946 cts

The Great Aqua of Sri Lanka. Gem of 946 carats acquired by a Saudi prince.

Rossar Reeves Star Ruby 138.7cts

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 richsaturated 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.

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.