Sri Lanka's Rich Gemstone Heritage

Sri Lanka is home to some of the rarest unique gemstones in the world. Historically the country is known as “Ratna Dweepa,” (Island of Gems) it has been the leader of global gemstones for over 2,000 years. Ancient mariners and traders from nearby countries visited the island to procure its coveted gemstones. The famous Silk Road trade routes included Sri Lanka as the leading source of precious gems. 

Sri Lanka’s gemstones are primarily located on the island’s ancient Precambrian bedrock, which is over 500 million years old. The formation of pegmatites and alluvial deposits, that took place over millions of years, contributed to the unique geological process of a wide variety of gemstones in the region. The Precambrian era is the earliest part of earth’s history, covering approximately 4 billion years. During that time, the bedrock in Sri Lanka underwent intense geological processes, including heat, pressure, and metamorphism, which contributed to the formation of a wide variety of minerals. 

Sri Lanka's Precambrian bedrock is primarily composed of high grade metamorphic rocks such as granulites, marbled, and gneisses. These rocks underwent extreme conditions that allowed them to transform crystallization of minerals and gemstones. The extreme temperatures and pressure conditions were perfect for forming high-quality corundum, the mineral family that includes sapphires and rubies. 

The presence of key elements such as iron, titanium, and chromium during the formation of these crystals is the reasoning behind the vibrant colors seen in Sri Lankan gemstones-such as the deep blues of sapphires and the rich reds of rubies. The bedrock is not only rich in corundum but also in other gemstones, this is why the diverse mineral composition within this ancient bedrock accounts for the wide variety of gemstones found in Sri Lanka, allowing it to be one of the most gemstone-rich regions in the world. 

Due to Sri Lankan gemstones' rarity, crowns and jewels of royalty have been adorned across the world. The famous “Blue Belle of Asia,” one of the largest sapphires discovered to this day, originated in Sri Lanka and eventually became a staple in the British royal jewelry collection. 

In our “Ethical Mining” article we went into deep explanation of how over centuries Sri Lanka has maintained specialized techniques for gemstone mining and cutting. These traditional methods have been passed down through generations, ensuring minimal impact on the environment and the careful extraction of gemstones to maintain their natural beauty. 

To maximize the brilliance and color of these gemstones, Sri Lanka is also known for having skilled gem cutters. The craftsmanship is respected globally for the ability to deliver the best in each stone, whether through cutting, polishing, or setting in jewelry. 

The persistent quality and variety of Sri Lankan gemstones have earned the country a prestigious place in the global gemstone market. The iconic “Ceylon Sapphire,” that has been worn by royalty all around the world, are highly prized for their rich hues and clarity. Sri Lankan gemstones have been associated with luxury, elegance, and timeless beauty, making them the number one choice for high-quality brands and jewelry enthusiasts worldwide. 

The unbroken combination of exceptional natural resources, historical trade significance, skilled craftsmanship and strong commitment to ethical practices, Sri Lanka has captured its rich gemstone heritage, making it one of the most cherished sources of precious stone in the world. At House of Ellure, we are proud to celebrate and share the timeless beauty and unmatched quality of Sri Lankan gemstones, each one a reflection of the island's storied past and bright future in the world of fine jewelry.