Have you ever wondered where different gemstones come from? Tourmaline from Brazil, peridot from Arizona, amethysts from Uruguay—it’s fascinating to think about the long journey these beautiful stones have taken to end up in the jewelry we wear.
Today, we’re going to take a look at some of the most famous gemstones-producing countries around the world.
Brazil: Topaz, Tourmaline, Citrine, Amethyst
South America’s largest country is home to an incredible wealth of natural resources, including a wide variety of precious and semiprecious stones. Some of Brazil’s most well-known gemstones include topaz, tourmaline, citrine, and amethyst.
Of all these gems, topaz is perhaps the most prized, thanks to its unique coloration and hardness. Brazilian topaz typically has a deep blue hue, although it can also be found in shades of green, yellow, pink, and purple. The stone is relatively rare and only found in a few deposits around the world. As a result, Brazilian topaz often commands a high price on the market.
These stones are often used in bracelets, necklaces, and rings.
Brazil is also famous for citrine and amethyst.
Afghanistan: Lapis Lazuli
Afghanistan is perhaps best known for its conflict-ridden history, but the country is also home to a wealth of natural resources, including a variety of precious stones and minerals. One of Afghanistan’s most well-known gemstones is lapis lazuli. This stone is prized for its deep blue coloration and has been used in jewelry and other decorative objects for centuries. Most of Afghanistan’s lapis lazuli is mined in the Badakhshan province located in the northeast of the country.
India: Diamonds and Rubies
India has a long history of mining precious stones. Some of India’s most well-known gemstones include diamonds and rubies. India was once the world’s leading producer of diamonds but has since been eclipsed by other countries such as Brazil and South Africa. India is still home to a significant number of diamond mines, particularly in the state of Andhra Pradesh located in southern India. Indian rubies are also highly sought-after for their rich red coloration. Most Indian rubies come from the state of Karnataka located in southwestern India. India is also a top producer of gold, and traveling here is an opportunity to shop for both!
These are just a few examples of the many countries around the world that are famous for their gemstones. Next time you’re admiring a piece of jewelry or looking at a beautiful painting with semiprecious stones embedded in it, take a moment to think about where those stones might have come from—you might be surprised!
Australia: Opals
Did you know that Australia produces around 95% of the world’s opal? Opal is the country’s national gemstone, and it’s famous in indigenous stories for its rainbow colors and symbology for the country’s arid interior.
Tanzania: Tanzanite
Discovered in 1967, Tanzanite is a relatively new gemstone that has quickly become one of the most popular choices for engagement rings and other fine jewelry. Although it can be found in a variety of colors, the most sought-after shade of Tanzanite is a deep blue-violet. What sets Tanzanite apart from other gemstones is its extraordinary ability to change color when viewed from different angles. This “pleochroism” is caused by the way the crystals are formed, and it gives Tanzanite a unique depth and brilliance. In addition to its beauty, Tanzanite is also prized for its rarity. Because it is found in only one location in the world, Tanzania, it is considered to be one of the rarest gems.
Myanmar: Rubies
Rubies have been prized for centuries for their deep red color, which is caused by the presence of chromium. The finest rubies come from Myanmar, where they have been mined for over two thousand years. In fact, the name “ruby” comes from the Latin word for red, “ruber.” Rubies from Myanmar tend to be a deep, rich red with few impurities. In addition to being beautiful, rubies are also one of the hardest gemstones, second only to diamonds. This makes them especially well-suited for use in fine jewelry. Moreover, rubies are said to possess magical powers, and many cultures consider them to be symbols of good luck and prosperity.
Sri Lanka: Sapphires
The sapphires found in Sri Lanka are some of the most beautiful and valuable in the world. Many of these gems are a deep blue color, and they have excellent clarity. In addition, Sri Lankan sapphires tend to be large in size, which makes them very rare and desirable. The majority of the world’s sapphires come from Australia, but the ones from Sri Lanka are definitely the most sought-after. If you’re lucky enough to own a Sri Lankan sapphire, you should consider yourself very fortunate.