gems, Sri Lanka, gemstones

Ariyaratna provides a concise introduction to the gemstones of Sri Lanka, one of the world’s historically important gem-producing regions. The booklet surveys the principal gem varieties found on the island, their characteristic appearances and properties, and aspects of their occurrence, recovery, identification, and use. Particular attention is given to the corundum gems for which Sri Lanka is famous, alongside the diverse range of other gem minerals occurring in its alluvial deposits. Written for a general rather than highly technical readership, it serves as a compact contemporary overview of Sri Lankan gemstones and the country’s gem industry.