Named After the Island Itself
Serendibite is one of the rarest gemstones in the world — and it carries Sri Lanka's name. It was first discovered near Gangapitiya in Sri Lanka in 1902 and named after Serendib, the ancient Arabic name for the island (the same root that gave English the word serendipity).
For decades only a tiny handful of faceted serendibites were known to exist, making it a legendary "collector's collector" gem.
What It Looks Like
Serendibite is typically a dark bluish-green, grey-blue, or near-black, often deeply saturated. It is a complex borosilicate mineral with a hardness around 6.5–7. Transparent, facetable material is extraordinarily scarce; most known stones are small.
Why It's So Coveted
- Extreme rarity — among the rarest gems ever faceted.
- Historic Sri Lankan origin — a gem tied directly to the island's identity.
- Collector demand — fine specimens are museum-grade and command remarkable prices.
A Note for Buyers
Genuine faceted serendibite is so rare that any offered stone should come with reputable laboratory identification. Treat unverified "bargains" with great caution — see our buyer's guide.
See the Source
Explore the gem country where it was found — browse Ratnapura accommodation and the Island of Gems overview.