Are the moonstones sold in Galle Fort fake.
2 Answers from travellers
Sri Lanka is world famous for its highly prized, flawless blue moonstones mined primarily in Meetiyagoda. While the reputable luxury boutiques inside Galle Fort sell genuine stones, many of the smaller, cheap souvenir stalls absolutely sell fake glass or cheap imported imitations.
A genuine blue moonstone has a distinct, floating blue shimmer known as adularescence. If the stone looks perfectly clear or completely milky white without that floating blue hue, it is likely low quality or synthetic. Always demand a certificate from the National Gem Authority.
Scam Watch: galle
Someone befriends you and offers a "once in a lifetime" opportunity to buy gems at wholesale prices and resell them abroad for huge profit. They may show you fake export certificates. The gems are worthless glass or low-quality stones.
Restaurants without visible prices. Bill arrives with inflated charges (500 LKR coconut becomes 1500 LKR). "Service charges" added without disclosure.
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