Sinhalite
Sinhalite
Sinhalite is named after its discovery location, Sri Lanka, using its Sanskrit name, Sinhala. This rare gemstone was, until recently, only found in Sri Lanka, but is now mined in Tanzania, Madagascar and Burma. Often occurring in green to brown to brownish black hues, it was once mistakenly believed to be a variety of olivine.
General Information
LWUV: Inert
Sinhalite Colors
-
Brown -
Colorless -
Green -
Pink -
Yellow
Sinhalite Spectra
Color due to iron. In this large dark reddish brown sinhalite of 31cts it is possible to detect the weak band centered at 526nm. As with most dark brown stones, absorption in the deep blue to violet is strong which here is up to about 480nm. Only one of the four lines usually present in this area is captured on camera at 493nm.
Color due to iron. Four bands can be resolved at 452nm. 463nm. (broadest) 475nm. and 493nm. Another vague line may be detected in darker brown Sinhalite at 526nm. but is not seen here
We acknowledge the significant scientific contributions of John S Harris, FGA to the study of gemstone spectra and with deep appreciation to him, acknowledges the use of his images and related notes about gemstones and their spectra in the educational materials on this website.
Countries of Origin
Tanzania, United Republic Of; Canada; Myanmar; Russian Federation; Unknown; Sri Lanka; United States of America; India
Care
Gentle care, moderately soft. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners.