Sapphire from Sri Lanka (Ceylon)

Ceylon sapphires

Ceylon sapphires, which are mined in Sri Lanka, can be found in a range of colors, including:

1. Blue: This is the most common and well-known color for Ceylon sapphires, and can range from light to dark blue, with the most valuable ones being a rich and intense blue color.
2. Pink: Ceylon sapphires in shades of pink are rare and highly valued.
3. Yellow: Ceylon sapphires in shades of yellow, from light to intense, are also highly sought after.
4. Green: Ceylon sapphires in shades of green are less common, but can be very beautiful.
5. Orange: Ceylon sapphires in shades of orange are relatively rare, but are highly prized for their unique color.
6. Purple: Ceylon sapphires in shades of purple are rare, but can be very beautiful.
7. White (colorless): Ceylon sapphires can also be found in a colorless form, which is also known as a "white sapphire."

Mining locations

There are several areas in Sri Lanka that are known for producing high-quality Ceylon sapphires, including:

1. Ratnapura: This is the main sapphire-mining region in Sri Lanka and is known for producing some of the finest Ceylon sapphires. The name Ratnapura means "city of gems" in Sinhalese.
2. Elahera: This area is located in the central part of Sri Lanka and is known for producing high-quality yellow, blue, and green sapphires.
3. Meetiyagoda: This is another important sapphire-mining area in Sri Lanka and is known for producing some of the largest Ceylon sapphires.
4. Marapana: This area is located near Ratnapura and is known for producing blue sapphires.
5. Balangoda: This area is located in the southern part of Sri Lanka and is known for producing blue, green, and yellow sapphires.

In addition to these main locations, Ceylon sapphires can also be found in other areas of Sri Lanka, including the Kaduruwela and Aranayake regions. The mining of Ceylon sapphires is typically done using traditional methods, such as pit mining and alluvial mining.

Price

As a rough estimate, the price of a Ceylon sapphire can range from $100 per carat for a lower-quality stone, to thousands of dollars per carat for exceptional stone.