In addition to being known as the Spice Island, Sri Lanka is also referred to as the Island of Gems. Indeed, some of the most famous and beautiful blue sapphires in the world came from the alluvial gem mines of Sri Lanka. Even today, these gemstones, and several others, still come from the country, with the star sapphire being the most beautiful.
Sapphires
Believe it or not, there are many types of sapphires. There’s the classic blue, of course, but there is also white, yellow, orange, purple, and green varieties. There are also star sapphires, which, when cut en cabochon (rounded like a dome), appear to have a star-like shape when light reflects off of it. Of all the sapphires found in Sri Lanka, the Padparadscha Sapphire is the rarest and most beautiful in the world, complete with a pink-orange coloring.
Cat’s Eye
The cat’s eye gemstone is one that reflects a line of light down the center when cut en cabochon. It comes in many colors—gray, grayish green, yellow, red, blue, brown, black and white—and is quite unique. These gems look great on a ring or a pair of earrings.
Alexandrite
This unique gemstone changes color in different lights. Typically called the “emerald by day and ruby by night,” this beauty can be found in a couple of other places apart from Sri Lanka.
Rubies
Both sapphires and rubies are a kind of gemstone called corundum. It is debatable if a ruby is a different kind of gem or if it’s a pink or red sapphire. Since they are both the same type of stone, there can also be star rubies. Pink and light red sapphires are easier to find than the dark red variety.
Spinel
Spinel gems are also red and in the past were often mistaken for rubies or sapphires. Sometimes used as a ruby replacement, these gemstones look great in elaborate jewelry and won’t cost as much as rubies.
Amethyst
The amethyst is a type of purple quartz found all around the world. There is plenty of amethyst in Sri Lanka as well.
Moonstone
The opaque white color of the moonstone gives it somewhat of a magic quality. It’s the only indigenous stone in Sri Lanka, and no visit to the country is complete without a little moonstone souvenir.