Glossary
Madagascar
Since the 1990s Madagascar has been one of the most important sources of sapphire – and it also yields ruby, emerald and alexandrite. The finds began in the south at Andranondambo, moved to Ilakaka in 1998 and later north to Didy and Bemainty.
Sapphire
Fine blue sapphires from Madagascar can look velvety like Kashmir stones or glow like stones from Sri Lanka. Today Madagascar probably produces more fine blues than Sri Lanka and Myanmar combined. Pink sapphires and padparadscha are also known.
Trade
Much of the rough is cut and traded in Sri Lanka. A Madagascar origin is therefore established only by the laboratory report.
Read more
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- Laboratory reportsUnderstanding a laboratory reportA laboratory report is a gemstone's most important document. Which information it contains, how to read it and what it does not say.Read more
- GlossaryAbsorption spectrumWhen light passes through a gemstone, the stone absorbs certain wavelengths – the rest make up its colour.Read more
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Updated 2026-10-06