Ratnapura Gems and Mining Process | Ceylon Blue Sapphire

Ratnapura (Sinhalese: රත්නපුර) (“City of Gems" in Sinhala), is the heart of Sri Lanka’s gemstone industry. Located in the south-central region, 101 kilometers from the capital, Colombo, Ratnapura serves as the capital of the Sabaragamuwa Province. This historic city has long been the center of the island’s gem trade, with gemstones from this region gracing royal courts and museums worldwide for over 2,000 years.

The geological history of Ratnapura is as captivating as its gemstones. Situated within Sri Lanka’s ancient metamorphic rock formations, this area has provided the ideal conditions for gem formation over billions of years. Over 90% of the country’s landmass consists of high-grade metamorphic rock, dating back 3-4 billion years. This unique geology, combined with Sri Lanka’s tectonic history, has led to the creation of a variety of gemstones, earning the nation the title of "the jewel box of the Indian Ocean."

For centuries, the mining and trading of gemstones have been deeply woven into Sri Lankan culture, symbolizing wealth, craftsmanship, and heritage. Today, despite modern advancements, gem mining continues in its most traditional form. Small-scale, environmentally conscious methods are used to extract the world’s finest stones, preserving the region’s natural beauty and its longstanding legacy in the gem industry.

Gem mining in Ratnapura is an art, passed down through generations, preserving an age-old tradition that remains remarkably environmentally friendly. Unlike many other regions where mechanized mining processes dominate, Sri Lankan gem miners continue to use basic tools and traditional methods that have minimal impact on the environment. The mining process begins with manually excavating small pits or tunnels, where miners search for gems within layers of earth and gravel. The material is then sifted through in search of the precious stones that lie hidden in the soil. This simple, yet effective process ensures that mining is sustainable and that the environmental footprint remains as small as possible, allowing for the continuous production of gemstones without compromising the surrounding ecosystem. This careful and respectful approach to mining has kept Ratnapura’s gemstone industry thriving, with each stone representing not only the skill of the miner but also the rich heritage and environmental care of Sri Lanka’s gem trade.

From the gemstone-rich lands of Ratnapura to the global market, the journey of each gemstone is one of authenticity, craftsmanship, and trust. At Rainbow Gems, we offer an exclusive opportunity for trade professionals, wholesalers, jewelers, and investors to explore the full gem-buying experience directly in the heart of Sri Lanka’s gemstone hub. Our "Gem Hut Tours" provide an in-depth experience, guiding international buyers through the entire gemstone selection process. You’ll interact with miners, cutters, brokers, and manufacturers, ensuring you gain the best insight and guidance in sourcing gems. Rest assured, we work with transparency, ensuring fair pricing on every stone, and offer full support throughout the purchase process. In addition, we guarantee the authenticity of every gemstone. If any stone purchased from us is found to be misrepresented in terms of treatment (e.g., if an unheated sapphire is proven to be heat-treated by a recognized gem lab such as GIA, GRS, SSEF,Gubelin, or Bellerophon), we will replace it or refund your purchase within 30 days, ensuring that our customers always receive the highest quality and value. With the assurance of prior sales protection, you can confidently purchase with us, knowing that similar, if not superior, stones will be available should a preferred item be sold.

The Heart of Sri Lankan Gemstones