Located in the Chanthaburi region, this sapphire mine is one of the most emblematic in Southeast Asia. Unlike some artisanal operations, extraction here is mechanized and relies on the use of heavy machinery, particularly excavators, allowing for the processing of large volumes of earth.

The site appears as a vast open-pit mining area, where layers of soil are progressively removed to access gem-rich levels. This semi-industrial approach offers a striking contrast with more traditional mining contexts, such as those in Vietnam or Sri Lanka, while also providing insight into modern extraction methods and deposit management.

During this visit, particular attention was given to the sapphires extracted on site. The mine’s production consists mainly of blue sapphires, ranging from lighter blue to deep midnight blue, including darker and more saturated tones. Some specimens also exhibit a phenomenon known as asterism, characterized by the appearance of a star on the surface of the stone when cut en cabochon, making them highly sought after by collectors.

This field immersion made it possible to directly observe the conditions of mechanized mining, as well as the different stages of the extraction process. It also provided the opportunity to study raw samples from the deposit, contributing to a better understanding of sapphires from the Chanthaburi region.

The sapphires collected at the mine during this expedition were photographed and documented in my work Internal Features of Gemstones.