Laos Blue Sapphire Earrings Jewellery Collection

Laos Blue Sapphire Earrings.

By Aamir Mannan.

Like many of its Asian neighbors, Laos has its share of sapphire deposits.  This is not surprising given its location, situated between Vietnam and Thailand, both significant sapphire producers.  Since the 14th century, gems have been mined in the Bokeo Province of northwestern Laos.  In fact, the literal translation of Bokeo is “gem mine.”

Sapphires in Laos have come from great depths in the earth and are found in gem gravel created from eroded alkali basalts.  In general, blue, green, and yellow sapphires from Laos have properties and characteristics similar to those of sapphires from other alkali basaltic sources.  In most cases, these sapphires can be readily distinguished from metamorphic sapphires by their higher iron content.  The presence of iron also influences other gemological features and characteristics such as spectra, chemistry, and the type of mineral inclusions.

Laos’ most famous sapphire mine, Ban Houay Xai, has been worked sporadically since the late 19th century, but it was closed in 2000 due to charges of corruption, and significant production has not resumed.

 Small-scale mining is reportedly occurring in the region however, as well as other locations around the country.  In many instances, farmers dig huge holes in the middle of their rice paddies with the hope of finding a fortune in gemstones.