Students visited the Rakwana Gem Deposit, observing mechanised mining, gravel sorting, and recovery of sapphires, chrysoberyl, spinel, and tourmaline.

GSI’s Colored Stone Professional (CSP) Diploma programme, recognised for its innovative combination of theoretical knowledge and practical, real-world experiences, recently embarked on an educational mine visit to Sri Lanka’s renowned Rakwana Gem Deposit. As part of the recent CSP student cohort, the visit was organised to provide comprehensive and immersive exposure to the gemstone pipeline, encompassing mining, processing, and trading.

“Experiences such as these are essential for developing a well-rounded understanding of the gemstone industry,” says Ramit Kapur, MD, GSI India. Sri Lanka, with its rich heritage and world-renowned gemstones, provides the perfect backdrop for such learning. By engaging directly with the mining process and following the journey through cutting, processing, and trade, students not only bridge the gap between geological science and commerce but also gain a true appreciation of the value each gemstone carries through its transformation.

As part of the field visit, students explored the Rakwana Gem Deposit in Sri Lanka’s Ratnapura District, a globally recognised source of fine sapphires since 2017. They observed small-scale mechanised mining carried out on agricultural lands, yielding sapphires alongside chrysoberyl, spinel, and tourmaline. The visit also included demonstrations of manual gravel sorting, where skilled miners separate gem-bearing pebbles.

“Classroom learning provides the foundation, but witnessing the journey of gemstones at their source offers an unparalleled perspective,” says Ms. Meenu Vyas, Chief Global Gemologist & GSI Education Centre. “Through this visit, students gained first-hand insights into Sri Lanka’s pivotal role in the global gemstone economy and developed a stronger appreciation of the processes that shape a gemstone’s value—from extraction to trade.”

The visit extended to the Karawita Mining Area, where students observed both artisanal and mechanised mining, followed by demonstrations of traditional Geuda sapphire heat treatment in Ratnapura. They also explored the gem markets of Ratnapura and Beruwala, engaging with traders to understand market dynamics, negotiation practices, and global trade systems.

At the Beruwala Gem Cutting Workshop, students witnessed the precision of cutting and polishing sapphires, gaining insight into how cut, clarity, and colour determine value.