GEM TREASURE ISLAND

CEYLON GEM...
COLORED STONES: 

When comes to International Beverage Industry Ceylon Tea smells and tastes better than any other Country's Tea in the World, so do Ceylon Colored Stones famous for its the luster, clarity,color and other qualities 

Due to its carving effect and the captivating empowerment the Island Nation's Colored stones captivated and possessed even the Gods and Goddess  of the Continents to fall in Love with the Country and its natural bounty of Colored Stones.  

WHAT IS GEM STONE: 

A gemstone or gem (also called a precious or semi-precious stone, or jewel) is a piece of attractive mineral, which—when cut and polished—is used to make jewelry or other adornments. However, certain rocks, (such as lapis lazuli) and organic materials (such as amber or jet) are not minerals, but are still used for jewelry, and are therefore often considered to be gemstones as well. Most gemstones are hard, but some soft minerals are used in jewelry because of their luster or other physical properties that have aesthetic value. Rarity is another characteristic that lends value to a gemstone. 

GEMSTONES FOUND IN SRI LANKA:

ALEXANDRITE   

PINK SAPPHIRE 

ALEXANDRITE 

CAT’S EYE 

PROPE GARNET 

ALMANDINE GARNET 

RHODOLITE GARNET 

AMETHYST 

RUBY 

AQUAMARINE 

SPESSARTITE

GARNET

BERYL

SPINEL 

BLUE SAPPHIRE 

STAR RUBY 

CHRYSOBERYL 

STAR SAPPHIRE 

CHRYSOBERYL 

CAT’S EYE 

TOURMALINE 

CITRENE 

YELLOW SAPPHIRE 

ORANGE SAPPHIRE 

TOPAZ 

PATHPRAJA 

SAPPHIRE

 ZIRCON 

Gems can be found in many varieties to which they are classified. There are several families when it comes to gemstones. For example, the corundum family of gems, this contains gems ranging from the red colored rubies and to sapphires of other colors.

Gems are also categorized into Precious and Semi-Precious stones. Precious stones are namely Diamonds, Members of the Corundum family, Emerald, etc. Garnets, Spinals, Zircon are considered to be Semi-Precious stones.
Name  
                            
Hardness Diamond              ........................ .10.0
Sapphire                                 ............................ 9.0
RubyAlexandrite                                  ............. 8.5
ChrysoberylSpinal                                      ......8.0
TopazTourmaline                                  ........... 7.5
Emerald                                  ..............................7.0
Garnet                                  .................................6.5
Moonstone                                  ........................6.0 
Glass                                  .................................. 5.0
Coral                                   .................................. 3.0
Gold                                   ................................... 2.5
Amber                                   ...............................  2.0
Talc                                      ................................. 1.0   

THE COLOR OF SRI LANKA:

It was the Portuguese in the 16th century who first mentioned sapphires as an important gem export. Vasco de Gama, who established Portuguese rule in Malabar, stated that Lanka had "all the fine cinnamon of the Indies and the best sapphires."

We still have the best blue sapphires of cerulean hue, a favourite with fashionable women all over the world. The 14 carat "Blue Belle" adorns the British crown.

The pretty yellow sapphire of the colour of pollen is nowhere near as popular as the blue. Yet a colour saturated stone can be extremely beautiful, deserving of far more attention.

And, of course, there are the rare star-sapphires. The largest in the world was mined over 100 years ago in Sri Lanka and may now be seen in the subcontinent as the "Pride of India". 

Sri lanka

SrI Lanka(Ceylon) has been described as a dewdrop on the stem of the Indian lotus. but, as this island, only four percent larger than the state of West Virginia hangs from the southern tip of the huge Indian sub-continent like a droplet about to plunge into the waters of the Indian Ocean. In many ways, however, the description is apt as this is a lush and handsome country with a culture that stretches back over 2,500 years; amazing archaeological monuments that are now declared World Heritage Sites; unspoiled wildlife reserves; outstandingly pure beaches; excellent accommodations in five-star hotels, elegant beach resorts, and ecologically designed lodges; Ayurveda spas; superior diving opportunities; noted golf courses; exotic festivals; friendly people; and the heritage of years under British, Dutch and Portuguese occupations evident everywhere.!!

RANAPURA:

The gem-mining centre of Sri Lanka is also a major crossroad between southern

 plains and the hill country to the east. A bustling market city servicing most of the 

surrounding towns. Many of the prominentgem dealers in Sri Lanka operate from this 

town. Scenery around the town is excellent and charming.

There is a route to Sri Pada from Ratnapura direction. Excursions include Sinharaja Forest and Uda Walawe Wild Life Park. The route towards hill country is beautiful. The surrounding area is a popular trekking destination and a good place for bird watching. Visit traditional gem mining and cutting operations

Sri Lanka is considered one of the oldest sources of sapphires. 

No sapphire in the world can equal that obtained in Sri Lanka. 

Dr. Gubelin, the famous Gemmologist with his vast knowledge and experience recognises a blue sapphire from Sri Lanka. He decides this by the study of inclusions which are in themselves typical. Good Blue Sapphires from Sri Lanka are reputed for having a very pleasing intensity of colour. Its degree of transparency is very high. Clarity is excellent.

These characters combined enable the stone to display a very high lustre. Legend says King Solomon in the Biblical times wooed the queen of Sheba with precious stones from the paradise isle. Marco Polo the supreme traveller who had seen the wonders, mysteries and the unparalleled splendour of the Kingdom of the Cathay, was amazed by the priceless Ruby in the possession of the King of Sri Lanka. He recorded his wonder in these words, "It was a span in Length, without a flaw, brilliant beyond comparison." Richerd W. Huges, author of 'Ruby and Sapphire" book says abut a sapphire of 2965 cts. fist sized example and was estimated to yield a number of cut gems in the 50-100 ct. range.