Inspecting the crystal after splitting.

A bucket full of sapphire crystals after washing.

Inspecting a large green sapphire crystal with a fibre optic light.

A large piece of black spinel or 'nin'.

A large golden sapphire crystal.

Another open cast mining operation.

Washing the soil in a rotating drum.

Washing the soil in a rotating drum.

Washing the soil in a rotating drum.

Washing the soil in a rotating drum.

Tipping soil into the rotating drum.

Looking into the rotating drum.

A veteran miner.

Lots of noise, water, pumps & pipes.

The pulsating jig washing the gem gravel.

Pumping the gravel up to the jig.

Pumping the gravel up to the jig.

The two pumps under the jig.

The water and gravel pumped into the top of the jig.

Chocolate coloured water pouring down off the jig into a previously dug out pit.

Another shot of the jig.

The jig from above.

The mine owner discussing his production with me.

Matching untreated orange coloured Bang Kacha sapphires in a bracelet.

These three ladies run a side of the road food stand in the centre of

 town and make the most amazing food.