Precious Stones in Sri Lanka, Ceylon Sapphires
Ratnapura Gem City, Moonstone, Garnet & Ruby, Ayurveda Birth Stones
May 31, 2009
From the Queen of Sheba to British royals, Sri Lanka’s precious stones have graced crown jewels across the world and around Ratnapura Gem City, mining continues as it has done for over 4000 years, led by diviners and astrologers. Ancient rituals ensure auspicious blessings as men dig in damp open pits, looking for sapphires and moonstones, ruby, topaz, garnet and more.
Traders come from across Asia, Europe and the USA but beyond investment value, the Ceylon sapphires and birth stones are said to improve well being according to Ayurveda traditions.
Ratnapura Gem City
A hundred km south east of Colombo, Ratnapura lies among paddy fields where bamboo awnings pop up here and there, betraying the presence of gem pits. Guided tours are sometimes available and involve gazing down into the hole, watching a few craftsmen polishing stones and wandering around the glittering store where all stones carry a high price.
It may be cheaper elsewhere but buying gems isn’t easy. Friendly locals might slip a tiny moonstone into a visitor’s hand, very cheap, straight from the pit, but if quality and value are important, it’s best to rely on experts.
Precious Stones in Sri Lanka, Ceylon Sapphires
The island’s national stone comes in a range of colours from white, yellow and orange to pink, purple or blue. Most valued is cornflower blue, with prime examples including the Blue Belle of Asia and the 423 carat Logan Blue Sapphire donated to the Smithsonian Institute in Washington.
Among other favourites are the lavender blue and the pinky orange lotus sapphires.
Sapphire appears frequently in traditional and modern birth stone calendars. Ayurveda places it in August and recommends it for harmony and energy.
Ceylon Moonstone, Garnet and Ruby
According to legend, moonstones represent the crescent and waning moon and are ideal gems for love and romance. The magic comes from the shimmering blue flash on an almost transparent background. Large specimens are rare, small ones common and more affordable.
Garnet is found in every colour except blue, most sought after those with a purple tinge, while ruby, the king of gemstones, varies from dark to light red.
Sri Lanka also claims rare collectors’ pieces, such as the Alexandrite, named after a Russian Tsar and changing colour in different lights.
Ayurveda Birth Stones for Natural Well Being
All Ayurveda birth stones are found in Sri Lanka and can be worn or used in various forms to enhance well being. Topaz is for November birthdays, boosting efficiency and creativity, and there’s the energy packed garnet for January. Amethyst in February brings spiritual awareness, ruby power in July and December and the lovely moonstone intuition and sensitivity for those born in September.
The April diamond is another energy giver, the agate in May achieves balance, the opal in October leadership qualities while the March bloodstone has aphrodisiac and down to earth properties. Pearls are for June and symbolise purity.
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