Education Mining of Sapphires The Natural Sapphire Company

Sapphire Mining

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 50th 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.

At the Natural Sapphire Company we specialize in providing our customers with the finest quality natural sapphires. Our sapphires are not synthetic, heated to extreme temperatures, diffused, irradiated, glass filled or oiled. Our natural untreated sapphires offer true beauty, rarity and superior value compared to treated sapphires. We offer a vast selection of blue sapphires , pink sapphires , yellow sapphires ,
white sapphires and other unique colors of natural sapphires. All of our sapphires are cut on our premises and are available loose or mounted in a custom setting. Our jewelry and gemological specialists will
work with you from start to finish to create your custom sapphire jewelry. We invite you to view our full selection of sapphires, blue sapphire rings and custom sapphire jewelry and discover what makes the
Natural Sapphire Company the world's greatest collection of natural sapphires. Good Reading: Why Natural Sapphires?

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