Facts about Gemstone Mining
Gemstones in the United Kingdom.
The United Kingdom has a rich
history of gemstone mining, with evidence of mining activities dating back to
Roman times. Some of the most famous gemstone mines in the UK include the
Cumbrian Fells in northern England, where deposits of sapphire, spinel, and
garnet have been found.
CORNWALL in
southwestern England, is renowned for its mining heritage, including the
extraction of various gemstones. The region is particularly known for its
production of high-quality and vibrant blue-green gemstone called "Cornish
turquoise" or "Cornish emerald," which is a variety of the
mineral variscite.
SCOTLAND is
home to several gemstone deposits, including the famous Cairngorm Mountains.
Cairngorm quartz, a smoky quartz variety, is highly sought after and is used in
jewellery making. Scotland also has deposits of amethyst, jasper, and agate,
which are frequently used in the creation of ornamental items.
WALES is renowned for
its gold deposits, particularly in the Dolgellau Gold Belt. Although not
strictly a gemstone, Welsh gold has historical significance and is highly
valued for its rarity and beauty. It has been used to create jewellery for
members of the British royal family, including wedding rings.
Environmental Considerations:
Gemstone mining in the UK is subject to strict regulations aimed at minimising
environmental impact and ensuring sustainability. These regulations help
maintain the balance between mining activities and the preservation of natural
resources and habitats.
Worldwide Gemstones.
AFRICA is a continent
known for its abundant gemstone deposits. Countries such as Madagascar,
Tanzania, Zambia, and Mozambique are rich in gemstones like sapphire, ruby,
emerald, tourmaline, and tanzanite. The African continent also produces significant
quantities of diamonds.
ASIA is another region with
a vast array of gemstone deposits. Countries such as Myanmar (Burma), Sri
Lanka, Thailand, and India have been historically renowned for their gemstone
production. These regions yield a wide variety of gemstones, including ruby,
sapphire, spinel, garnet, and topaz.
SOUTH AMERICA is a
treasure trove of gemstones. Brazil stands out as one of the world's leading
producers of gemstones. It is known for its vast reserves of amethyst, topaz,
aquamarine, tourmaline, and citrine. Other South American countries like
Colombia (emeralds), Argentina (rhodochrosite), and Bolivia (amethyst, citrine)
also have significant gemstone deposits.
AUSTRALIA is home to a
diverse range of gemstones. The country produces notable quantities of opal,
including the highly sought-after black opal from Lightning Ridge.
Additionally, Australia is a significant producer of sapphire, diamond, zircon,
and chrysoprase.
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA: Gemstone
mining in the USA dates back to the early 1800s when miners first discovered
gems in the Appalachian Mountains.
The USA is known for its
production of gemstones such as turquoise (Arizona and Nevada), opal (Nevada
and Idaho), garnet (New York), and tourmaline (California and Maine). Mexico is
renowned for its fire opal and other gemstones like amethyst, peridot, and
obsidian.
CANADA produces significant
amounts of diamonds, including high-quality gem-grade diamonds from the
Northwest Territories.
These are just a few examples, as
gemstones can be found in various regions worldwide. Each location may have its
own unique gemstone deposits, contributing to the diversity of the global
gemstone industry.
