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Where it's at
Ratnapura the ‘City of Gems' is Sri Lanka’s
treasure chest, an Aladdin’s Cave of jewels and wealth
and the centre of its gemming industry. Gems are mined by
ancient and traditional methods. On the Colombo-Ratnapura
road many gem mining operations in paddy fields are done beside
the road. A peculiarity of Sri Lanka is that a variety of
different stones are often found in the same pit. The mines
are worked in the dry season. According to the Arabian Nights,
Ratnapura is a lofty mountain and a deep valley with deep
rapids, cascades and waterfalls.
Gems that sparkle
Cat’s Eye’s with asbestos filaments to give
a sharp olive tint, Pale yellow Topaz, sapphires,
Raven’s blood rubies, alexandrite, topaz, amethyst,
aquamarine, tourmaline, garnet and zircon create
a glimmering treasure in Ratnapura. The gems eradicate all
sins according to folklore. The killing of the demon king
Ravana blood is said to be set in the ruby, which ranges from
deep bloody tomes, to pomegranate and red lotus. It is believed
that the gems should not be subjected to fire, which brings
bad luck to the wearer. Famous Ratnapura gems include the
famous Blue Sapphire which is featured in the film
Titanic as the world most valuable 850-carat
sapphire, and a cornflower blue Sri Lankan sapphire was used
in Princess Diana’s engagement ring.
Where to find
The National Museum of Ratnapura is housed in the famous
Ehelapola Walawwa on the Colombo Road in Ratnapura
where the process of gem mining is displayed through a model.
Some of the artefacts displayed here reflect the unique arts
& culture of the Sabaragamuwa Province and visits
to gem mines can be arranged through travel agents.
What's it worth?
Stones fetch from 8 – 10 US dollars per carat. There
are few known stones in the world which exceed 100 carats.
A blue sapphire the size of your fingernail would cost about
30,000 rupees, which is about $500. |
