Friday 15 April 2016

Meetiyagoda Moonstone Mines

Moonstone, a semi-precious stone displaying the spectacular characteristic of changing its colour, is found in abundance at Meetiyagoda, which is located 10 kilometres south of Ambalangoda. Visitors can see them being mined using traditional methods and made into beautiful jewellery by master craftsmen at their workshops.

Moonstones are held in owe due to the spiritual power they wield in driving out evil spirits and wading off malefic planetary influences. They are carved en cabochon to obtain the maximum effect of their bluish sheen (adularescence) and embedded into gold and silver jewellery ranging from exquisite necklaces, glistening earrings to sparkling rings.

Top quality moonstones are found only in Domanwila, a hamlet in Meetiyagoda in Southern Sri Lanka. Pits are dug 20 – 30 metres deep in the surrounding marshy land to find the rare mineral belonging to the Feldspar family.

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