The Lustrous Legacy of Mukkaru's Spinel Beads
Nestled in the heart of Sri Lanka lies a gem that whispers tales of ancient craftsmanship and natural beauty—the Mukkaru Spinel Bead.
Nestled in the heart of Sri Lanka lies a gem that whispers tales of ancient craftsmanship and natural beauty—the Mukkaru Spinel Bead. Weighing **5.00 Ct** and boasting dimensions of **10.9 x 9.2 x 5.3 mm**, this polished stone is a marvel of purplish-red hue, VS clarity, and untreated purity. Its shape, reminiscent of the beads once crafted by the skilled Mukkaru—an ancient race renowned for their gem expertise—echoes a rich history spanning 700 to 1000 years.
The Mukkaru, migrants from distant lands during the era of Sri Lanka's ancient kings, were master gem miners and traders. They have polished hardest stones like Sapphire ( mohs hardness 9 ) by traditional polishing technology ( by kabarondum dust ) and drill them and make necklaces and jewelry.
Today, the Galpaya "Mukkaru" Deposit Mining area is experiencing a renaissance as modern miners unearth gems once overlooked or abandoned by the Mukkaru. Spinel and garnet, once deemed of low value, now command the market as highly prized gems. The ancient bead in question, with its drilled holes measuring **1.2 mm** on one side and **1.0 mm** on the other, is not just a gemstone—it's a testament to the enduring techniques of the Mukkaru, a symbol of the timeless allure of Sri Lanka's gem industry.
This bead is more than a mere ornament; it's a connection to an age-old civilization and a tribute to the transformative journey of gemstones from earth to embellishment. As we hold this ancient natural spinel, we hold a piece of history, polished by time and treasured by generations.
