About LGL
State-of-the-art gem laboratory with advanced gemological instruments
Who We Are
LGL Lanka Gem Lab is a state-of-the-art, purpose-built gem laboratory, with an extensive range of both standard and advanced gemological equipment. We're specialized in determining and generating authenticity reports for rubies, sapphires, and emeralds as well as other important colored gems including spinel, tourmaline, garnet, chrysoberyl and quartz.
Our Laboratory
Our Gemologist
Bilal Ahmed Mahir
Graduate Gemologist (GIA)
Bilal Mahir earned his credentials as a Graduate Gemologist from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). He pursued the Graduate Colored Stones Program from the GIA Bangkok Campus and the Graduate Diamonds Program from the GIA Mumbai Campus. In addition, he has also completed the AIGS Synthetics and Treatments Course from the Asian Institute of Gemological Sciences (AIGS) in Bangkok, Thailand.
Bilal's journey started as a mere 3rd generation gem trader. Being born to a father who worked in the same industry, his passion for gems only increased. Frequent visits to gem markets both locally and internationally gave him the exposure to the diversity of the gem market; markets & mines ranging from Ratnapura, Beruwela to international markets in Bangkok, Chanthabari, Mumbai, Surat.
In addition, he was able to experience the process behind the heat treatment of gems while he was in Bangkok, which provided him supplementary knowledge of gems and their treatments. Having witnessed the early processes of gem treatment and production, the urge to find more about the latter stages of manufacturing started stirring. He sightsaw a variety of companies like Lexus Softmac (Surat, India), Hari Krishna Exports (Surat, India), Rus Gems (Synthetics manufacturing company, Bangkok, Thailand) and some other diamond and synthetic gem stone manufacturing companies.
While he was in Bangkok, he had the privilege of attending the world's renowned and longest-celebrated gems and jewelry trade fair in the industry, the Bangkok Gems & Jewelry Fair (BGJF), wherein extensive collections of raw gems from colored stones, diamonds, pearls, amber and semi-precious stones from all around the world were featured.
Advanced Gemological Instrumentation
At LGL, we employ cutting-edge instruments to provide precise, detailed, and reliable analysis of colored gemstones. Combining modern technology with expert knowledge, our lab can identify, analyze, and trace gemstone origins with the highest standards of accuracy and ethics.
UV-Vis-NIR Spectrometer
Enables origin differentiation and synthetic separation in gemstones. It distinguishes between copper- and iron-colored tourmalines and separates natural from dyed jadeite. It also helps differentiate magmatic and metamorphic sapphires.
FTIR Spectrometer
Detects low-temperature heat treatments in corundum by identifying specific absorption features. This method is crucial for distinguishing unheated stones from those subjected to thermal enhancement and confirming the absence of heat treatment in gemstones.
Immersion Microscope
Reveals internal features like inclusions and growth patterns, aiding in distinguishing natural gemstones from synthetics. This tool is essential for identifying treatments and confirming the authenticity of gemstones.
Analytical Balance for Density Measurement
Calculates gemstone density through precise weight measurement, assisting in identification and verification processes. This method is particularly useful for confirming species and detecting treatments.
Spectroscope
Provides visual absorption spectra, aiding in gemstone identification and treatment detection. This tool is valuable for preliminary assessments and distinguishing between natural and treated stones.