Glossary
Mozambique
Since 2009 Mozambique has been the world’s most productive ruby source and one of the homes of Paraíba tourmaline. The rubies come from the area around Montepuez in the north-east of the country; their discovery came at a time when supply from Myanmar was declining.
Ruby from Montepuez
Mozambique rubies are often cleaner than stones from Myanmar and show a vivid cherry red. They contain more iron and therefore fluoresce less strongly. Fine untreated stones are now also sought after by collectors.
Paraíba tourmaline
Copper-bearing tourmaline was found in the Alto Ligonha pegmatite region in the early 2000s. Mozambique is today the main source of new Paraíba tourmaline, often in larger stones.
Read more
- KnowledgeHow to read a gemstone dossierA dossier brings together everything that describes a stone – from the laboratory report to custody. Here is how to read it in the right order.Read more
- 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
- GlossaryAfghanistanAfghanistan is an old source of ruby and emerald; both are mined in the mountains of the Hindu Kush.Read more
Updated 2026-10-06