Ratnapura

Sri Lanka · Sabaragamuwa
Sapphire from Ratnapura, Sri Lanka
Photo: James St. John · CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Ratnapura — the “City of Gems” — in Sri Lanka is one of the world's great gem-gravel districts.

About Ratnapuraextended article

What it is known for

Ratnapura's alluvial gem gravels yield sapphire (including the famous Ceylon blue), star corundum, topaz, zircon, spinel, and many other gems.

What collectors look for

Gem sapphire and the variety of fine gravels are the draw; well-formed crystals from the gravels are collector pieces.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Ratnapura?

Ratnapura is a mineral locality in Sabaragamuwa, Sri Lanka.

What minerals are found at Ratnapura?

Minerals from Ratnapura include Sapphire, Zircon, Topaz.

What is Ratnapura known for?

Ratnapura — the “City of Gems” — in Sri Lanka is one of the world's great gem-gravel districts.

References & databases

Mindat.org is the world’s largest open mineralogy database.