An extract from the e.mail sent to ‘NGJA’ by Mr. Vincent Pardieu Supervisor, Field Gemology – GIA Laboratory, Bangkok is shown below.
“Here is a selection of photographs taken during the GIA (Gemological Institute of America) expedition that took place in Sri Lanka between Feb 28th and March 09th 2012 with the support of the NGJA (National Gem and Jewelry Authority). During that expedition GIA field gemologists visited the new sapphire mining sites near Kataragama. A complete report on that expedition and on the new sapphires from Kataragama is under completion and will be published soon in collaboration between GIA and the NGJA”
A highly transparent “icy” blue sapphire crystal from Kataragama, the rough gem is about 40 carats.
Photo: Mr. V. Pardieu / GIA Laboratory Bangkok.
