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Mother nature has placed Sri Lanka at a very strategic place in the Sea Routes. Being situated at the southern tip of India, ships sailing to the East found harbors in Sri Lanka useful to obtain supplies as well as to meet other traders. Arabs who controlled the ancient day trade, loved the spices and gemstones of the island. In the modern day Sri Lanka is well known for its Tea, Elephants and its Sea Beaches. But little is known of its Gems. Gems are found in and around Ratnapura. The villagers in those areas - when they are talking with each other on the street or even when they are standing and waiting for the bus - scratch the soil with their toes, shoes, walking stick or with whatever they are carrying, with the hope of finding a gem. Gems in their crude form are found on the surface soil in these areas. Many people have become millionaires literally overnight by finding gems this way. The Sri Lankan red and blue Sapphires are considered to be the best in the world. It is also known for its Star Sapphires - where light is reflected as a star on the surface of the stone. The very rare Alexandrites are also found in Sri Lanka. This stone is green in color - but when viewed under artificial light it turns red. I have also included some descriptions and photos of: |
