Hey there, gem lovers! Let’s take a little trip together, diving deep into the fascinating world of Sri Lankan sapphires. You might have heard Sri Lanka called the “Gem Island,” and for a good reason because this small island nation produces some of the world’s most stunning sapphires. But have you ever wondered how these beauties go from rough stones buried in the earth to the sparkling gems you see in jewelry stores? Let’s break it down step by step!
The Origin: Mining for Rough Sapphires
Our journey kicks off in the gem-rich soils of Sri Lanka, especially in areas like Ratnapura, Elahera, and Balangoda. Ratnapura, which literally means “City of Gems,” is the superstar of gem mining in Sri Lanka. Here, the locals have been mining sapphires for generations, using methods passed down through time.
Picture this: miners digging deep pits, sometimes as deep as 50 feet, to get to the gem-bearing gravel known as “illam.” It’s a meticulous process, where every shovelful of gravel is washed and sifted to reveal rough sapphires. These stones might not look like much at first—just rocks to the untrained eye—but within them lies the potential for something truly breathtaking.
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