The source of the “Logan Blue Sapphire”,
like the “Blue Giant of the Orient” is undoubtedly the traditional and historic
gem-mining district of Ratnapura (City of Gems),
situated in the SabaragamuwaProvince, of Sri Lanka, and which was the main
source of sapphires and rubies for over 2,500 years. Ratnapura district is also
the area where one of the highest mountains known as the Adam’s
Peak, is situated. This peak is part of the central highlands of Sri Lanka,
which occupies the south-central part of the country. The exposed gem-bearing
igneous and metamorphic rocks of the central highlands were eroded by the
action of heat, heavy rainfall, wind etc. over millions of years, and carried
by the rivers and streams that originated from the central hills and flowing
towards the low-lying areas eventually ending up in the seas.
The Logan Blue Sapphire is a 422.99-carat, rich deep blue, internally
flawless, cushion-cut stone, of Sri Lankan origin, which is perhaps the second
largest faceted blue sapphire in the world. The stone has been cut with a large
table, and for a stone of perfect clarity and color like the Logan Blue
Sapphire, this is not much of a disadvantage, even though the whole interior of
the stone is clearly revealed. In spite of this apparent disadvantage the stone
has a unique and an unparalleled beauty, for a sapphire of such enormous size.
The beauty of the stone is further enhanced by the sparkling, round
brilliant-cut white diamonds, 20 in number, with a total weight of 16 carats,
surrounding the stone, in a special brooch setting. Mrs. John A. Logan is
reported to have donated the enormous blue sapphire mounted in this special
brooch setting to the institution, and today it is the heaviest mounted gem in
the National Gem Collection.
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