Feature Gems & Gemology, Fall 1993, Vol. 29, No. 3

A Prospectors’ Guide Map to the Gem Deposits of Sri Lanka

C. B. Dissanayake and M. S. Rupasinghe

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Sri Lanka is world famous for its gem wealth, but the actual extent of the deposits has never been determined. Recently, a geologic survey team gathered field data in order to compile the first gem prospectors' guide map of Sri Lanka. Using the criteria of lithology and topography, stream-drainage density, presence of alluvium, and the nature and abundance of heavy minerals, this team determined that approximately 20% of the land mass of Sri Lanka may be gem bearing. They also characterized the potential of specific regions.