Historically known as “Island of Gems”, Sri Lanka is well positioned as gem trade centre in the global map. Verities of gems in different shades and tones of colour in their purest form make Colombo an important port of call for investors, connoisseurs and enthusiasts of gemstones. Here are some of the best gemstones available for purchase:
1. Corundum: Ruby is the king of gemstones; literally it is corundum of red colour and is indeed a sapphire. Yet, due to its class and glamour ruby is always listed separately. All other colours other than red are grouped as sapphires. In Colombo you can buy priceless Blue sapphire, Star sapphire, Star ruby, Yellow sapphire, Orange sapphire, and Pink sapphire which is alternatively known by its majestic title of “Padmarascha”, White sapphire and pleasing Green sapphire
2. Beryl: Aquamarine with bluefish and greenish tint is the noted stone in Beryl along with White beryl which is used as main or accent stones in necklaces
3. Chrysoberyl: Cat’s eye is a famous stone under this class distinct from other chrysoberyl stones. Alexandrite is another gemstone under this label. Marvellous Alexandrite Cat’s eye twinkles with a mischievous smile
4. Garnet: Almandine, Pyrope and Spessartite are some of the garnets found in Sri Lanka. Most noted is Hessonite which is called as “ Gomedha” a stone that is mentioned in Vedic astrology of possessing miraculous power
5. Quartz: The entire range of quartz are found in Sri Lanka. Chief among these are Yellow quartz, Smokey quartz, Purple quartz, Rose quartz and White quartz. An interesting addition is the Quarts Cat’s eye whose chatoyancy is legendary
6. Spinel: A variety of blue, red and violet spinel stones are available. Spinel is a gemstone lovingly called as “Pretender”, because it often duplicates as ruby due to its spot and bright colour
7. Topaz: Colombo is much famous for its white topaz and couple of decades ago heat treated white topaz was exported in volumes to United States as fascinating yellow stones
8. Zircon: Flashing zircon comes in green, yellow, brown colours. The white zircon is almost similar to diamond and when it is round brilliant can easily pass off as real diamond.
In addition to the above list, Agate, Moonstone and Tourmaline are few of the stones that merit mention.
Call or write to me if you plan to visit Colombo to buy gems.
Muthu Ashraff
Business Adviser
Mobile: +94 777 265677
E-mail: cosmicgems@gmail.com
Web: http://www.cosmicgemslanka.com
Blog: http://cosmicgemslanka.com/blog/
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