:: SANGEMS & JEWELLERY ::

Gem mining is divided in to two categories-colored gemstone mining and diamond mining. In Sri Lanka we have colored gem stone mining only. The occurrence of colored gemstones in the parent rock or as placers (gem gravel) is patchy and unpredictable. In most instance the mining is done by individuals or small groups because large scale or machined mining is uneconomical. Unconsolidated gem gravels are hand-worked in Sri Lanka. Mining is done in different ways according to the depth of the gravel layer, such as open pit, deep mines and tunneling. Additionally river dredging is also carried out. After extraction gravel is washed and the gemstones are hand picked.