The gemstone mines of Madagascar are seemingly located in all
parts of the country.
Plate tectonics
scientists think that two hundred million years ago,
Madagascar was part of a super-continent known as Gondwana. The western coast of
Madagascar would have been adjacent to Tanzania and the eastern side
to India.
Both Tanzania and India are well known sources of colored
gemstones. It should not be surprising then, that
Madagascar produces many colored gems as well. That Madagascar produces so many
species of gems... and of such fine quality, is amazing to the gem industry.
If the plate tectonics people are truly correct, then
Madagascar should become a significant producer of diamonds in the future. Some
diamonds have been found in the sapphire gravels, and exploration by the diamond
industry has commenced all across Madagascar.
The gemstone mines of Madagascar yield sphene, emerald,
amethyst, aquamarine, sapphire, ruby, and more in the northern jungle.
There are new mines being located and opened to production
in the roadless, rain forested mountains of the central and north as well.
Tourmaline mines are found in the bush near the capital
city of Antatanarivo.
Ruby, garnet, and other stones are found in many locations
near the entire east coast.
The mines in the arid south-central area produce sapphire
of blue, pink, and fancy colors.
Blue sapphire, green garnet, and color change garnet also
come from the southern end of Madagascar.
Lapidary operators and gem dealers have come to Madagascar
from many places to buy our fine facet rough to cut and sell in the
gemstone trade.
The gemstone mines
of Madagascar are almost always located in primitive
regions, far from the few good roads that we have here. I believe it must be a
natural law.
Madagascar is said to be the forth largest island in the
world. We have diverse climates, depending on your nearness to the oceans,
the mountains, and whether you are in the north or south.
We
have jungle, rain forest, and near-desert. Some of our land is good for the
raising of rice and other crops, while some is good for the raising of zebus
(cattle).
We have the oceans and bays, and many lakes, streams, and
waterways good for fishing. The streams are also good for the development of
electricity production.
The diverse climates and isolated location of Madagascar
has produced many unique plants and animals on our beautiful island.
