Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka (Ceylon) is one of the richest places for precious stones in the world. Some of the precious stones on the Czech crown jewels also come from here. Sri Lanka is probably best known for its stunning, cornflower blue sapphires, but sapphires can be found in other colours as well. It is also possible to encounter various types of garnets, colourful spinels, aquamarines, tourmalines, topazes; and then a variety of very rare collectible gemstones (e.g. taaffeite). The best known production area is around the town of Ratnapura in the district of the same name, in the province of Sabaragamuwa.