During our latest trip to Sri Lanka at the start of 2022, we visited this small and interesting Moonstone Mine - Beruwalage Gems & Jewelry.
We were taken here by our driver / guide we ordered back in the hotel for the day trip to Galle.
Moonstone is a fascinating gemstone that is found abundantly in Sri Lanka. This gemstone has been revered for centuries for its unique beauty, metaphysical properties, and historical significance. Sri Lanka is one of the world's top producers of moonstones, and the country has a rich tradition of mining, cutting, and polishing these gems to the highest standards.
We were offered a short excursion at the moonstone mine, before we were taken to to shop and had a cnahce to buy some moosntone jewelry
The geological conditions in Sri Lanka are ideal for the formation of moonstones. The island is situated in the Indian Ocean, and it has a tropical climate that is characterized by heavy rainfall and high humidity. These conditions promote the growth of feldspar crystals in the soil, which are the primary components of moonstone. The mineral-rich soil in Sri Lanka also contains traces of other minerals such as quartz, mica, and garnet, which give the moonstones their unique color and translucency.
I was told that a good worker might earn a couple fo dollars by mining moonstone. Well, thats a great career alterntive, i thought before wathcing this guy diving into a deep well.
Sri Lankan moonstones are known for their bluish sheen, which is caused by the scattering of light through the layers of feldspar crystals. This phenomenon is known as adularescence, and it gives the moonstones a mystical and ethereal quality. The finest moonstones are transparent or semi-transparent, with a bright blue or white sheen that seems to float beneath the surface of the stone.
Moonstones have a long and storied history in Sri Lanka, dating back to ancient times. The gemstone was prized by the rulers of the island for its beauty and mystical properties. According to legend, moonstones were used as talismans by the ancient kings of Sri Lanka, who believed that the gemstone had the power to bring good fortune, protect against evil, and enhance intuition and spiritual awareness.
Today, moonstones are still highly prized in Sri Lanka and are a vital part of the country's gemstone industry. The gemstones are mined in the central and southern regions of the island, where the soil is rich in feldspar crystals. The moonstones are typically found in alluvial deposits, where they are extracted using traditional mining techniques.
Once the moonstones are extracted, they are cut and polished by skilled artisans in Sri Lanka. The cutting process is crucial, as it determines the quality and brilliance of the gemstone. Moonstones are typically cut into cabochons, which are smooth, polished, and dome-shaped. The cabochon cut is ideal for moonstones, as it enhances the gemstone's unique sheen and translucency.
Moonstones are used in a variety of jewelry designs, including necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and rings. They are a popular choice for engagement rings and are also used in spiritual and healing jewelry. Moonstones are believed to have powerful metaphysical properties, including the ability to enhance intuition, creativity, and emotional balance.
In conclusion, Sri Lankan moonstones are some of the most beautiful and unique gemstones in the world. They are prized for their ethereal quality, mystical properties, and rich history. The gemstones are an essential part of Sri Lanka's cultural heritage and a significant contributor to the country's economy. Whether you are a collector, jewelry enthusiast, or simply appreciate the beauty of natural gemstones, Sri Lankan moonstones are a must-see.
We bought a few stones on site just to have them for a memory from our Sri Lanka trip.