Ceylon Treasure - Ceylon Sapphire
Ceylon, historically the colonial name for the island nation of Sri Lanka, evokes images of lush landscapes, vibrant cultures, and a rich tapestry of gemstone treasures. Nestled in the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka has been a gemstone haven for centuries, drawing seekers of precious stones to its mines and enchanting all who encounter the allure of Ceylon gemstones.
"Ratnadeepa" was one of the ancient names given to this Island paradise, which translates to "Island of Gems", one could thus comprehend that this Island has been producing high quality gemstones for centuries. This makes Sri Lanka one of the oldest sources & suppliers of gemstones in the world.
Gems Produced
Sri Lanka is a gemological paradise, boasting an array of gemstones that have captivated the world for generations. Among the most popular gemstones sourced from Ceylon are:
Ceylon Sapphires: A Spectrum of Colors:
Step into a kaleidoscope of colours as we explore the diverse palette of Ceylon Sapphires. From the serene blues that echo the depths of the ocean to the vibrant pinks, yellows, greens, and oranges that paint a vivid canvas, each hue tells a unique story of nature’s artistry.
The crown jewel of Ceylon's gemstone offerings, Ceylon Blue Sapphires have been the most popular Sri Lankan gemstone for centuries, produced with varied shades and hues of blues, from the light Sky Blues to vivid and Splendid Royal Blues, as worn by Monarchs in Britain to date.
Padparadscha Sapphire: A rare variety of sapphire with a delicate pink-orange hue, often referred to as the "lotus blossom" colour. The scarcity of truly exceptional Padparadscha Sapphires makes them highly sought after by collectors.
Star Sapphires & other Chatoyant Gemstones are another under-appreciated type of gemstones which are mined here.
Ceylon Cat's Eye: A unique variety of chrysoberyl displaying a distinctive chatoyant effect resembling a cat's eye, prized for its rarity.
Alexandrite Cat's Eye: Combines the rarity of Alexandrite with the unique chatoyancy of a cat's eye effect, this gemstone is an extraordinary find, captivating collectors with its dual enchantment.
Taaffeite: One of the rarest gemstones globally, Ceylon is known for producing this lavender to violet gemstone. Taaffeite is prized for its extreme scarcity and stunning beauty.
From Spinels, Garnets, Moonstones, Tourmaline, Zircon, Topaz and Quartz varities, this Island produces almost all types of coloured gemstones.
National Gemstone of Sri Lanka is "Sinhalite", a rare variety of gemstone which was first found in Sri Lanka, and named after Sri Lanka's main language, Sinhala. They are produced in different hues of green and yellow.
Mining Marvels: Unearthing the Treasures of Sri Lanka:
Venture deep into the heart of Sri Lanka’s gemstone mines, where the earth yields treasures of unparalleled brilliance. The island’s unique geological features contribute to the exceptional quality of Ceylon Sapphires, making each gem a testament to the natural wonders beneath our feet.
Gem Producing Areas: 2 provinces that have been producing all sorts of coloured gemstones are Sabaragamuwa & UVA provinces, namely around the townships of Ratnapura & Badulla. Geologically this area has its gem deposits mainly around the river beds and the base of the mountains, in the form of Sedimentary deposits, gemmologically termed "gem gravels".
As we conclude this journey into the allure of Ceylon Sapphires and gemstones, we invite you to embrace the timeless beauty and rich heritage encapsulated in each sparkling facet. Explore, appreciate, and become part of a legacy that transcends time and captivates hearts around the world.