Diamond and gems like Ruby Sapphire are the minerals found in many countries around the world.Among these, Corundom,Chrysoberil,Quarts ,Beryl, Garnet,Zircon,Tourmaline,Spinel and Topaz
are found in gem mines in Srilanka.
In addition to that Andalusite,Sinhalite,Kornerupine,Apatite,Lolite and Diopside are considered as rare minerals found in the country . Sri lanka and Brazil share the distinction of being the richest repositories of gems both quality and variety.
In the classification of gem minerals their varieties and special outstanding features can be considered as follows.
Corundom is divided in to two groups. They are ruby and sapphire.Red colour Corundom called as Ruby and other colours of Green,Yellow, pink, blue , light blue and white are called as sapphires.
Among the Ruby the Pigeon-blood red is very rare and considered as the best quality. Corn-flower blue is considered as the best quality Sapphire and is highly priced.The other colours found in the different shades including the lighter coloured blue sapphires are known as fancy-stones.
Those stones are found in abundance in the gem mines.
Star Sapphire and the Star Ruby are from the Corundom family.They are cut in to the shape called cabochon shape,a elliptical round shape.When light falls on the stone star shape rays are clearly visible on the stones.
Alexandrite and Cat's Eye are Crysoberil family stones.Alexandrite are found in Sri lanka and in the Ural mountains in Russia.The Sri lankan Alexandrite during the day light, it looks green and under the artificial light it is red.
Quartz are in abundance in Sri Lanka which fall in to different varieties, such as Citrine-Yellow,
Amethyst-Purple,Rock Crystal-Colorless,Rose Quartz-Pink,Smoke Quartz- Purplish Brown.
Beryl family are Emeralds and Aquamarine. Emeralds are not found in Sri lanka.
Garnet is a common inexpensive gem mineral and attractive stone.
