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Source rocks of gem minerals

A case study from Sri Lanka

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Abstract

Field and laboratory studies on the geology and mineralogy of gem sediments and associated rocks reveal that gem minerals occur both in garnetiferous gneisses and granulites. It has been observed that PT conditions characteristic of granulite facies had favoured the formation of gem minerals such as topaz, corundum, beryl, spinel, tourmaline and zircon.

Resume

Les travaux sur le terrain ainsi qu'au laboratoire portant sur les sédiments et les roches associes aux pierres precieuses montrent que les minéraux précieux se trouvent dans les gneiss à grenat et les granulites. Il a été observé que les conditions de pression et de température qui caractérisent le faciès des granulites ont favorise la formation des minéraux precieux tels que des topazes, corindons, béryls, spinelles, tourmalines et zircons.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Geology, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka

    K. Dahanayake & A. P. Ranasinghe

Authors
  1. K. Dahanayake
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  2. A. P. Ranasinghe
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Dahanayake, K., Ranasinghe, A.P. Source rocks of gem minerals. Mineral. Deposita 16, 103–111 (1981). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00206457

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00206457

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