Borneo Gem-stones & Diamonds

Martapura Traditional Diamond & Gem-stone Market

Martapura is situated 36 kilometers to the southeast of Banjarmasin, a city that serves as a major hub in South Kalimantan. This town, particularly the Cempaka district, is famously recognized as a key producer of diamonds. There are several small mining villages located around the area, such as Lukaas and Sungai Tiung, which are approximately five kilometers away from Martapura. These villages are known for their diamond panning activities, and people can often see individuals searching for diamonds in this region, which is about eight kilometers from Martapura.
Diamond panners typically seek guidance from what is locally referred to as "the expert one," which is believed to be the spirit of the village.
This spirit is thought to lead them to the most valuable diamond deposits. The process of panning involves digging deep holes, with the depth usually ranging from six to ten meters. The sides of these holes are supported by wooden logs to prevent them from collapsing. If no diamonds are found, the digging continues in a horizontal direction, which eventually forms tunnels.
The miners work without a fixed schedule, and it is common for them to take a break on Fridays, when most of them stay home.
Activities are usually most active in the morning and continue until midnight, often under the light of lanterns. The deposits are typically found at depths of 10 to 15 meters within layers of rocky earth. Once the dirt is removed, it is washed to reveal any diamonds that might be present.
South Kalimantan diamonds are classified into four main types.
These include petrous diamonds, which are yellow in color and considered to be of low quality. There are also black diamonds, which are believed to possess mystical powers by some locals. White and pink diamonds are the most prized, as they are known for their exceptional sparkle and the ability to display a range of rainbow colors.
One of the most notable diamonds discovered in this region is the Trisakti diamond. It was the most expensive diamond ever found in South Kalimantan and weighed 160 carats. This diamond belongs to the pink category, which is highly valued for its beauty and brilliance.
Once the diamonds are found, they are brought to the Diamond Market of Martapura, where they are cut and polished. These marketplaces are more well-known than the actual mining sites, which is why the town is also affectionately called Diamond Town. Martapura is home to several skilled experts who specialize in diamond processing, further enhancing its reputation as a center for diamond craftsmanship.

Martapura Travel Information