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Ratnapura gem mine tours and fake sapphire scams

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L
Leo D.•4170 rep•2

We were taken to a gem mine in Ratnapura by a local guide who offered us cheap raw sapphires. Is this a common scam and are the stones fake.

19
budget-travelsafety

3 Answers from travellers

✓Accepted Answer

This is a classic scam. The "raw sapphires" sold at the mine exits to tourists are usually colored glass or synthetic corundum. Genuine stones are heavily regulated and sold through certified dealers, not directly out of the mud by random guides.

25
K
Kamal P.•490 rep•1

Our tuktuk driver in Kandy tried to pull the same trick with a fake jewelry shop. Always say no to driver recommendations for shopping.

17
J
Jaxon W.•2120 rep•2

Do not buy any gems unless you get a certificate from the National Gem and Jewellery Authority.

9
C
Chloe T.•3040 rep•2

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