Madagascar Ruby
Ruby from Andilamena and other regions - characteristics, heat treatment, beryllium diffusion concerns.
madagascar ruby corundum beryllium-diffusion
Introduction
Madagascar ruby production has grown significantly, with deposits at
Andilamena, Vatomandry, and other locations. While quality varies
considerably, Madagascar helps fill the gap from declining Burmese
supply, though treatment disclosure remains an important consideration.
Sources
Madagascar's ruby-producing regions:
Andilamena
- Location: Northern Madagascar
- Status: Primary ruby region
- Character: Variable quality production
- History: Major discovery area
Vatomandry
- Location: Eastern Madagascar
- Production: Secondary ruby source
- Character: Different inclusion characteristics
Other Deposits
- Multiple smaller deposits across island
- Continuing exploration and discoveries
- Various qualities and characteristics
Characteristics
Madagascar ruby properties:
Colour
- Range: Variable; some fine red
- Best material: Good saturation possible
- Common: Medium quality commercial material
- Character: Can compete with traditional sources
Clarity
- Variable across production
- Clean stones available
- Some silky material
- Typical corundum inclusions
Fluorescence
- Variable depending on iron content
- Lower iron = better fluorescence
- Less consistent than Mogok
- Factor in colour appearance
Treatment Considerations
Understanding treatment in Madagascar ruby:
Heat Treatment
- Low-temperature heating common
- Improves colour and clarity
- Generally accepted if disclosed
- Unheated fine stones command premium
Beryllium Diffusion
Disclosure Requirements
- All treatments must be disclosed
- Beryllium diffusion particularly important
- Laboratory reports recommended
- Unheated premium significant
Market Position
Madagascar ruby in the marketplace:
Role
- Filling gap from declining Burmese supply
- Secondary to Mozambique for African ruby
- Good value for quality
- Wide range of price points
Comparison
- Below Burmese for comparable quality
- Competitive with Mozambique
- Treatment history affects value
- Origin becoming more accepted
Buying Considerations
What to consider when purchasing:
- Laboratory reports: Essential for significant purchases
- Treatment disclosure: Verify what treatments applied
- Beryllium testing: Request specific testing
- Unheated premium: Worth paying for fine stones
- Origin verification: Laboratory confirmation available