Hidden Treasures: 15 Notable Minerals Found in Sri Lanka

Hidden Treasures: 15 Notable Minerals Found in Sri Lanka

byCrystal Addictive -
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Sri Lanka, often called the “Gem Island,” is world-renowned for its vibrant geology and rich mineral diversity. From precious gemstones to industrial-grade minerals, the island is a geological goldmine in the heart of the Indian Ocean. In this article, we explore 15 notable minerals found in Sri Lanka — their origins, properties, and significance.

1. Sapphire

Padparadscha Sapphire

Arguably the most famous gemstone from Sri Lanka, sapphires are found primarily in Ratnapura, Elahera, and Balangoda. Known for their vivid blue hues, Sri Lankan sapphires are also found in pink, yellow, green, and padparadscha (a rare orange-pink variety).

Also Read: Padparadscha Sapphire

  • Use: Jewelry, birthstones

  • Type: Corundum mineral group

2. Spinel

Often mistaken for ruby, spinel comes in shades of red, violet, and pink. Found in the same regions as sapphires, high-quality Sri Lankan spinel is globally sought after.

Also Read: Spinel

  • Use: Gemstone

  • Interesting fact: Ancient spinels were often confused with rubies.

3. Zircon

Sri Lankan zircon occurs in vibrant colors such as brown, orange, and even colorless (known as Matura diamonds). It's one of the oldest minerals on Earth.

  • Use: Jewelry, radioactive dating

  • Found in: Elahera, Galle, and Morawaka

4. Moonstone

Found mostly in Meetiyagoda, Sri Lanka’s moonstone is known for its bluish shimmer and smooth polish. It forms in pegmatite veins.

  • Use: Jewelry, metaphysical healing

  • Note: Only high-quality moonstones are mined here.

Also Read: Moonstone

5. Garnet

Garnets in Sri Lanka are usually red, orange, or green. They occur in both metamorphic and igneous rock formations.

  • Use: Jewelry, abrasives

  • Location: Embilipitiya, Monaragala

Also Read: Garnet

6. Beryl (including Aquamarine)

Aquamarine, a blue variety of beryl, occurs in granitic pegmatites. Sri Lanka produces light to medium blue aquamarines with excellent clarity.

  • Use: Jewelry, collector's item

  • Also found: Goshenite (colorless beryl)

Also Read: Beryl

7. Tourmaline

Sri Lankan tourmaline occurs in green, pink, and bi-color varieties. They form in high-pressure geological zones and are typically found in quartz veins.

  • Use: Jewelry, healing crystals

  • Region: Pelmadulla, Nuwara Eliya

Also Read: Tourmaline

8. Chrysoberyl (including Cat’s Eye)

Sri Lanka is a premier source of chrysoberyl, especially cat’s eye, known for its chatoyant effect.

  • Use: Jewelry, astrology

  • Origin: Metamorphic rocks in gem gravels

9. Ilmenite

Used mainly for titanium extraction, ilmenite is a black, metallic mineral found in coastal placer deposits.

  • Use: Industrial (paint, aerospace, plastic)

  • Found in: Pulmoddai beach sands

10. Rutile

Another titanium-bearing mineral, rutile is mined from heavy mineral sands.

  • Use: Titanium dioxide production

  • Also occurs: With ilmenite and zircon

11. Feldspar

Feldspar is one of the most abundant rock-forming minerals in Sri Lanka, often used in ceramics and glassmaking.

  • Use: Industrial

  • Found in: Central Highlands, Monaragala

12. Graphite

Sri Lanka has the highest-grade vein graphite in the world. Its deposits are over 90% pure and found deep underground.

  • Use: Batteries, lubricants, nuclear reactors

  • Major mines: Bogala, Kahatagaha13. Quartz

Quartz is abundant throughout Sri Lanka in its pure form and as milky, smoky, and rose varieties.

  • Use: Electronics, glass, metaphysical uses

  • Location: Matale, Monaragala

14. Apatite

This phosphate mineral is used for fertilizer and occasionally as a gemstone. Found near Eppawala.

  • Use: Agriculture

  • Also: Can fluoresce under UV light

15. Kaolinite (China Clay)

Used in ceramics, paper, and cosmetics, kaolinite is a soft white clay mineral found in the southwestern region.

  • Use: Industrial

  • Region: Meetiyagoda, Dediyagala

Sri Lanka’s mineral wealth is not only geologically fascinating but also economically significant. Whether you’re a rockhound, crystal collector, or just curious about nature’s underground wonders, the island offers a diverse palette of minerals to discover.


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