Pailin was once one of Southeast Asia's most important sapphire sources, famous for producing rich blue stones with excellent saturation from basaltic alluvial deposits. The sapphires from Pailin are typically characterized by their deep, slightly inky blue color and strong luster. While production has declined significantly from its peak in the 1980s and 1990s, Pailin remains an active mining area with small-scale operations continuing today.
História
Os depósitos de safira de Pailin são conhecidos há séculos, com rotas de comércio de gemas conectando a região ao mercado de Chanthaburi, na Tailândia. Durante a era do Khmer Vermelho, a mineração de gemas tornou-se uma importante fonte de receita para o regime, adicionando uma dimensão política complexa à história gemológica da região.
Notable Gems
Sapphire