Gemstones have been the reason behind many of man-made phenomenons. Be it slavery, massacres, colonialism, or terrorism, groups have gone to lengths to make sure that their supply of bulk gemstones remains unhindered. Leaving many nations to ruins and tragedies, with their present and future open to uncertainties. But all these misadventures and accidents did one thing right, and that’s making these countries one of the major sources of gemstones on Earth.  An important contributing factor to their current economic structure. So let us have a look at the top 3 gemstone producing nations while you work on your collection of semi-precious beads.

Africa

African nations have been the major source of gemstones for hundreds of years. The gemstone mining in Africa started way back in the 19th century. This is all thanks to the Cecil Rhodes, the founder of De Beers mining company, that he went looking for a place that could satisfy his never dying thirst for precious and rare gemstones. Today, African countries are known for their unyielding supply of Tanzanite, Aquamarine, Topaz, Emerald, and more importantly Diamond. Important African countries that contribute to bulk gemstones mining business are Tanzania, South Africa, Mozambique, Kenya, Namibia, Mali, etc.

Colombia

Other than its rich cultural heritage, Ind0-Spanish history, and exotic and mesmerizing locations, this South American country is also known for its abundant Emerald reserves. Today, the world’s 80% of Emerald supply has to do with Columbia in one way or another. The commercial mining of this gemstone began with Spanish invasion and conquest of the Pre-columbian Inca empire. Before that, the stone was mostly used by the Inca royals for either adorning themselves or for performing religious rituals. Muzo, a small town in of Columbia, is also known as the world’s Emerald capital. But the continuous and long mining for this gemstone has left many country fields depleted.

Australia

Called by many as the world’s largest producer of Opals and diamonds, the Australian gemstone mining industry dates back to the 19th century. Emerald and green beryl were mined in mid of 1800 in the  New South Wales, an east coast state in the country. Relentless supplies of both precious and semi-precious gemstones like sapphire, topaz, emerald, ruby, jade, garnet etc. have played an important role in putting the nation on the world’s map. One of the most famous gemstone mines of Australia is in Lightning Ridge, a small town located in New South Wales, and home to the rare black opals. Nearly 90% of the world’s opal supply is dominated by this very nation. Opals are also Australia's national gemstone. Opals are many times used by gemstone lovers for making their semi precious beads strings.

Also read: Five Most Popular gemstones Used in Jewelry