Introduction

The glitter of gems illumines the pages of Sri Lanka’s history. From the earliest times to the present, tourist from all over the world have found the resplendent isle, Sri Lanka, a gem of an island. It is also an island of gems.

The island now named as the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka was known by earlier generations as Lanka, Serendib, Seilan, Taprobane and Ratnadvipa. Until 1972 before it became the Republic of Sri Lanka it was called Ceylon. Of these names “Ratnadvipa“ was the name used the ancients of her gems. (Ratna- gems; dvipa-island )

Sri Lanka is also known as the pearl of the Indian Ocean as it resembles a pearl. The area of the country is 65,609 square kilometers (25,332 square miles). It is 447 kilometers long and 225 kilometers at its greatest width. Sri Lanka is mainly composed of the oldest rocks in the geological era which are known as the pre-Cambrian. Minerals of economic value such as ilmenite, rutile, zircon, graphite and gems are found in the island in large quantities of which all are exported to every corner of the globe.

Sri Lanka has been famous for her fascinating gems from very early times. So much so that it could be said that it could be said that Sri Lanka’s gems are as popular as Sri Lanka’s tea. The country produces the best variety of precious stones and takes prominence in producing some of the heaviest gem minerals. The largest known Sapphire in the world weighing 42 lbs, (19 kilograms) has been found in Sri Lanka’s gem gravels. A 92 carat best quality Blue Sapphire and a 362 carat star stone which is supposed to be the world’s third largest stone are now at the State Gem Corporation.

Sri Lanka’s gems are exhibited in many countries. The most famous Star Sapphire of Sri Lanka is now at the Museum of Natural History in New York. The British Museum posses two Alexandrite weighing 27.5 carats and 43 carats each. Sri Lanka’s gems were on display at the “JETRO” World Trade Exhibition held in Japan in 1975 in 1976 Sri Lanka participated in a jewelry and gem exhibition was also held in Colombo during the 5^th Non-Aliened Summit Conference held in Sri Lanka in August 1976 mainly for the benefit of the foreign delegates. In August 1977 Sri Lanka’s gems were exhibited in a gem exhibition held in New Otani Hotel, Tokyo (Japan).

In the philatelic field too Sri Lanka’s gems have been featured. On the 16^th of June 1976 the Government of Sri Lanka issued four postage stamps depicting our local gems. They are the Blue Sapphire (60 cents), Cat’s Eye ( RS 1/15 ), Star Sapphire (Rs 2/-) and Ruby (Rs 5/-).

A GEM MAY BE DEFINED AS AN INORGANIC SUBSTANCE OCCURING IN THE EARTH AND WHICH IS HARD ENOUGH TO TAKE A HIGH DEGREE OF POLISH. IT IS GENERALLY TRANSPARENT.

It should be noted, however, that pearl, coral, jet and amber although used for ornamental purpose are not found in gem gravels. Pearls and corals are animal products whilst jet and amber are derived from vegetation. 

Gems are generally purchased for ornamental value. They can be used in neckless, pendants, rings, ear-rings, nose-rings, bracelets, coronets, etc. They are also used in wrist watches.

Astrologers advocate that any person who wishes to safeguard himself from evil planetary influences should wear a particular gem. Some gems are supposed to bring benefits to the water. For instance, in Sri Lanka, a ring called “Navaratna” (Nava-nine;Ratna-gems) is popularly worn. This ring consist of nine verities of gems is believed to ward off all evil influences and also bring Pease and contentment. There are other stones locally referred to as Kakaneela (almost jet black Blue Sapphire ) and Gomedaya (Hessonite Garnet ) which are also used in rings to protect the wearer against any evil planetary influences. These should be flawless and should be in contact with the skin of the wearer in order to obtain the best results. Finally, gems have also been associated with the signs of Zodiac and each of them is said to possess a specific characteristic such as sincerity, peace, innocence, happiness, prosperity, wisdom, good heath, etc.