corundum, Sri Lanka.12, gems

Thunberg describes the minerals and precious stones of Ceylon, drawing upon observations and specimens associated with his travels on the island in the late eighteenth century. He discusses gemstones for which Ceylon was celebrated, including sapphires, rubies and related corundum, cat’s-eyes, garnets, zircons, and other minerals, with observations on their appearance, occurrence, and local importance. The paper represents an early European scientific account of Sri Lanka’s exceptionally diverse gem resources and contributes to the historical documentation of the island as one of the world’s major sources of colored gemstones.