Guide for visiting gem markets in Sri Lanka | Rough gem markets

Rough gem markets, Sri Lanka is a resource rich country for people who love the gem industry. Twenty five percent of its land contains gem deposits. It is wondering that anyone can find an abundance of gems within this rich soil. It contains 75 different gem varieties. We can explore some top varieties of gems like sapphires, spinels, garnets, zircons, chrysoberyls, and quartz.

Guide for visiting gem markets in Sri Lanka.

There are several tips that help with navigating the rough stone market. It is very helpful to know about these for anyone who wishes to step into the rough gemstone market.

The most important tip is finding a trusted local. There is a huge chance of being cheated by others with synthetic stones and glasses and x-ray treated stones. That's why it is important to visit the market with a trusted local, especially when your knowledge of rough stones is limited.

The second most important tip is to beware of mislabeling. Unfortunately, some sellers may misrepresent the stones they are selling. For example, some sellers try to pass off spinels as sapphires, and garnets might be presented as spinels.

And another huge deception is selling pink sapphires as rare padparadscha sapphires. Padparadscha sapphires are known as the king of sapphires in the sapphire category. If you wonder what a padparadscha sapphire.

Padparadscha sapphire is one of the most elusive and rarest gemstones in existence, coveted for its breathtaking blend of pink, orange, and yellow hues. It is highly sought after due to its unique color combination and the limited supply of this gem.

Buy Padparadscha Sapphire online

Gem market places in Sri Lanka

In the heart of Hiland Deposit, there are lots of gem markets. But you'll find three of these markets, especially in Ratnapura town. They're places where you can see and buy all sorts of beautiful rough, cut, and polished gems.

Local Gem market opening days and times

Mainly, Gem markets around Ratnapura are held daily, but in other areas, they are held only for one or two days per week. Below, you can find dates and times.

Rathnapura

Rathnapura is a bustling town renowned for its vibrant gem trade and lush natural surroundings. Nestled amidst verdant landscapes, it serves as the capital of the Sabaragamuwa Province, offering visitors a blend of cultural heritage and scenic beauty. Rathnapura is famed for its gem mines, where precious stones like sapphires, rubies, and topaz are unearthed, attracting gem enthusiasts from around the globe.

Traveling from the capital city of Colombo to Rathnapura takes approximately two to three hours by road, depending on traffic conditions.

Heraniyawaka

Experience the allure of Sri Lanka's gem trade at Heraniyawaka Gem Market in Rathnapura. Discover a dazzling array of precious stones, from vibrant sapphires to mesmerizing rubies, amidst the lively marketplace ambiance. Located just a scenic two to three-hour drive from Colombo, this gem market offers a captivating journey through the heart of Sri Lanka's gem-rich region.

Balangoda

Nivithigala

Just a scenic three to four-hour drive from Colombo, this gem market offers a delightful journey through Sri Lanka's breathtaking countryside.

Ehaliyagoda

Just one and half to tow hour drive from colombo.

Beruwala gem market

We can say Bruwala known as china port gem market is the nearest gem market from colombo, just one hour drive from colombo. in Beruwala gem market specialized for fasted gemstones.

Guide for visiting gem markets in Sri Lanka | Rough gem markets