History of Sri Lanka Gem Industry
Srilanka's traditional gem mining industry has a very long history well over 2400 years. srilanka fondly known as rathna-deepa which mean island of gems.
According to geological history, Ninety percent of the rocks of the island are of Precambrian age, 560 million to 2,400 million years ago. gemstones were discovered in this fascinating island not prior to 500 B.C. The erosion of the rocks resulted to elongated placer deposits laden with precious gems in the beds of the flowing streams in the valleys which were located in the lower altitudes. The monks set these attractive colorful stones in their rings, necklaces, belly chains and other forms of jewelry like bracelets and armlets frequently worn during those days. During the course of their travels they traded these stones in the different markets of Asia and Europe. In this manner the gemstones reached new destinations in different parts of the globe. Sri Lanka has the massive density of gem deposits compared to its landmass. Ratnapura contains the most gem deposits and derived its name from the gem market. Ratnapura means “city of gems”.
As a some historical records Marco Polo wrote of his visit " the island had the best sapphires, topazes, amethysts, and other gems in the world ". Second century astronomer reported that beryl and sapphire were the mainstay of Sri Lanka’s gem industry. Records from sailors that visited the island that they brought back “jewels of Serendib”.
Miners bartered stones with traders from abroad and eventually the treasures found their way to the market places of Asia and Europe. Ancient Greek, Persian and Chinese historians referred to the charming gems of Ceylon, and King Solomon reportedly wooed the Queen of Sheba with Ceylonese precious stones.
The blue sapphires from Sri Lanka are known as Ceylon Sapphires. Ceylon Sapphires are describable unique in color, clarity and lustre compared to the blue sapphires from other lands.
#sapphire #ceylonsapphire #gems #ruby #emerald #gemstones #ceylon
According to geological history, Ninety percent of the rocks of the island are of Precambrian age, 560 million to 2,400 million years ago. gemstones were discovered in this fascinating island not prior to 500 B.C. The erosion of the rocks resulted to elongated placer deposits laden with precious gems in the beds of the flowing streams in the valleys which were located in the lower altitudes. The monks set these attractive colorful stones in their rings, necklaces, belly chains and other forms of jewelry like bracelets and armlets frequently worn during those days. During the course of their travels they traded these stones in the different markets of Asia and Europe. In this manner the gemstones reached new destinations in different parts of the globe. Sri Lanka has the massive density of gem deposits compared to its landmass. Ratnapura contains the most gem deposits and derived its name from the gem market. Ratnapura means “city of gems”.
Miners bartered stones with traders from abroad and eventually the treasures found their way to the market places of Asia and Europe. Ancient Greek, Persian and Chinese historians referred to the charming gems of Ceylon, and King Solomon reportedly wooed the Queen of Sheba with Ceylonese precious stones.
The blue sapphires from Sri Lanka are known as Ceylon Sapphires. Ceylon Sapphires are describable unique in color, clarity and lustre compared to the blue sapphires from other lands.
#sapphire #ceylonsapphire #gems #ruby #emerald #gemstones #ceylon
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