Sapphires are mined today the same as they were thousands of years ago. Most sapphires come from
countries that have strict guidelines on how mining may proceed. In Sri Lanka (Ceylon) mining is regulated so that the land is protected from over use. Mining is restricted to small-scale operations where heavy machinery is forbidden.

Natural untreated sapphires are rare and are mined in a way that will ensure a stable market and also secure future generations of sufficient deposits and supply. Strip mining such as in some emerald mining operations creates tremendous environmental damage. Strip mining only benefits a profit for a few large companies that have the capital for a large-scale operation. This type of mining also results in a market that will fluctuate heavily when new deposits are found, as the new production will flood the market and prices will drop.

Sapphire producing countries such as Sri Lanka (Ceylon) do not allow environmental or unstable economic mining activities. These responsible fair trade laws are regulated well and have existed for a long time. Some countries such as Burma do not have a very good record for correct environmentally responsible mining. It is well known that the government is described as a military dictatorship. The government is not very stable or fair in its trade practices. Burmese sapphires are quite nice but they are also over priced compared to equal quality sapphires from other countries. The fact that the government and mining methods are less than
desirable leaves us to hesitate greatly on purchasing Burmese sapphires at this time.

Here is a collection of mining pictures from various sapphire-producing countries. The methods of mining are different depending on the type of deposit, climate and government regulations.

 
 
   
Here is Tuliar, Madagascar the
most important source of pink
sapphires in the world today.
In these little wooden shacks
pass all the fine pink sapphires
from Madagascar.
 
The trenches are hand dug all
over southwestern
Madagascar. In every direction
these excavated pits are seen.
From these mines come all
types of sapphires in all colors,
but mostly pink sapphires.
 
The sandy desert landscape is
turned upside-down by the
seekers of fortune found in the
world-class deposits within the
earth.
 
Entire villages have exploded in the search for sapphires in southern
Madagascar; here is a classic picture of these people in search of
opportunity and a new life.
 
The gem bearing earth is
pushed into 50lb sacks that
are then carried on the backs
of young men to the nearest
stream for sifting. In some
cases this could be miles.
   
At the river’s edge the soil is
sifted carefully by hand.
The smallest crystals are found
quickly by the trained eye.
Faith and hope of “the big one”
is always in the minds of these
treasure hunters.
 
Sifting is the easy part of the
mining work. This is the “fruit”
of the hard labor.
 
If there is a drought then the
water is not available to find
the sapphires from the mines.
At the time of this picture
excellent water levels were
available, so production was
good.
   
When foreigners show up at
the river’s side all the stones
come out of the miners mouths.
This is where they are kept
most safe and readily available
when buyers are present.
 
Something is found and a day’s
work is complete.
 
Sri Lanka has a different
climate and a different system
of mining than Madagascar.
Here a make shift mining shaft
is actually a well-built and
managed operation.
   
Land owners (or permit
owners) and miners work
together so that they can be
equally compensated when
valuable material is found.
A cooperative and fair effort is
made for all parties to have
equal reward and risk.
 
Mining inspections and
regulations exist for relatively
safe mining activity. Sri Lanka
has been mining sapphires for
thousands of years with little
change in mining operations
and mine construction.
 
Down in the mine shaft the
tunnels are lit by candle light.
Water is everywhere and
pumps must be used if water
levels rise too quickly.
During the rainy seasons there
is little or no mining.
   
Mud is part of this job, so is
risk. Wooden supports must
be placed close together to
ensure that the mine walls do
not collapse.
 
Water sometimes pours out
of the mine shaft walls like a
fire hose. These are not safe
conditions. Only down at the
water level can the gem
bearing gravel be found.
 
A day’s production at this mine
in Sri Lanka. Here are mostly
garnets and quartz, nothing of
significant value.
   
Rice patties and river streams
are perfect locations for sifting
and sorting new gravel bearing
earth.
 
An experienced washer knows
how to sift and sort quickly.
 
Some days are better than
others. Hope is always fresh
on the minds of these miners.
   
Inspection of the material
found is the greatest part of
this type of work. Normally
many types of gem species are
mixed in with this gem bearing
gravel.
 
Fine inspection for small stones
is the “bread and butter” of
this trade. Nothing is left
untouched and inspected.
A fine ½ sapphire is worth a
2 weeks pay.
 
This time only an included pink
sapphire is found. Something
that keeps hope and faith alive
that the next day might be
more profitable.
     
   
Here is the weekly
production of commercial blue
sapphire. This material can be
used for high temperature
heating to turn a uniform color
so that it can be saleable for
mass quantity jewelry.
   
 
 
Overview
Sapphires: Types, Colors, Descriptions, Origins & Vital Details
Sapphire Grading Explained
Before & After Photos
Gem Laboratories and Details
Jewelry Terms and Details
Published News Articles and Essays on Sapphires and Treatments
 
   
 
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