Coloured Stones
June 23, 2008
Many of you will remember Guy, one of our stone dealers, who travels around the world, buying stones at their source. He has recently returned from Sri Lanka, where he bought lots of lovely new stones.
Guy at the mine, pointing out the mechanical diggers, leased to take off the “over burden”. This use of machines is an anomaly. Normally mining is done at a very measured pace. The gem-bearing of Sri Lanka gravels are finite, and with an eye to ecology and future generations’ prosperity, this sort of thing is generally frowned on.
A closer look at the excavated pits: The biggest problem is flooding, hence the generator to pump out the excess water. During the rainy season, the mining grinds to a halt, this is normally when the washing of the gem gravel takes place.
A Sri Lankan miner washing the (hopefully) gem-bearing gravel. This is done only on auspicious days, governed by the calendar. The local religion is Buddhism, and much importance is attached to astrological charts.
Rohitha, Guy’s partner in this mining venture, pointing out the mine shaft. Gravel from this shaft is raised up on a pulley system and then stored under ferns to keep it reasonably dry until the right day for washing and sifting.
