Blue Fire was first established in Colombo, Sri Lanka in 1980. With a strong desire to be closer to "the source" it became evident that gem procurement from the capital city was too limiting.
In 1983 Blue Fire relocated inland to the town of Ratnapura, the gem producing center of Sri Lanka, where we remain to this day. Soon after relocating, Blue Fire began a systematic study of the local, small scale, efficient and organized but archaic mining techniques still used extensively throughout Sri Lanka.
During that period of study and research, both in Sri Lanka and the U.S., a new type of rough gem sorting system was devised and developed by Blue Fire, specifically for the Lankan placer alluvial gem deposits, to be used in conjunction with a floating river dredging platform.
By 1985, Blue Fire was mining tributary rivers deep in the tropical jungle where all equipment and supplies were hand carried in on foot paths to remote locations. With this "low tech”, ecological, unique approach Blue Fire gained government support and was tapping sources of alluvial gem “pockets” previously unreachable by local techniques.
Since that time Blue Fire and Gordon Bleck have become well known to the research department of the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). Many new finds from the field have been reported to the GIA over the years and the GIA in turn has found many of these field reports worthy of publication.
Blue Fire has worked with several other labs to supply hard to find material for research in both Europe and the US. Blue Fire has also been a steady contributor to the wholesale gem market with finer quality finished sapphires and a variety of Sri Lankan stones as found nowhere else.
Now, Blue Fire has opened its vast storehouse of experience and knowledge to those few who wish to venture out to one of the world’s premier gem locations. Custom tailored and guided field buying trips for individuals or very small groups will now be available to those willing to take advantage of a rare opportunity to examine and purchase gems directly from their source.
In Ratnapura, you will be afforded the opportunity to interact directly with the Sri Lankan gem miners and local gem dealers under the protecting eyes of Blue Fire, thus insuring wise choices and “local” prices. We specialize in Guided Gem Buying Trips in Sri Lanka.
SOME GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT SRI LANKA
- Ethnic diversity of Sri Lanka consists of approximately 75% Sinhalese, 15% Tamil, 7% Muslim and 3% mix of cultures and origins.
- There are 3 primary languages spoken; Sinhala, Tamil and English.
- The primary religions are; Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam and Christianity.
- The population is approximately 21,130,000.
- The island covers approximately 65,525 sq. km. and there are 1,340 km of coastline!
- The highest peak is Pidurutalagala at 2,524 meters.
- Major exports are; tea, textiles, jewelry and gems, natural rubber and coconut products.
- There are no marked seasons in Sri Lanka, but there is the Northeast Monsoon Season from December to March and the Southwest Monsoon Season from June to October. Tropical climate prevails throughout Sri Lanka. While the “Hill Country” is more temperate.
- There is a reported literacy rate of greater than 90%. But education can be hard won.
- Every full moon is a government holiday.