Madagascar Sapphire
Ilakaka sapphire region - characteristics, Ceylon comparison, diagnostic inclusions, and quality assessment.
madagascar sapphire ilakaka corundum
Introduction
Madagascar sapphire, primarily from the Ilakaka region discovered in 1998,
has become one of the world's most significant sapphire sources. The material
often shows characteristics similar to Ceylon sapphire, providing excellent
quality at competitive prices.
Ilakaka Region
The world's major sapphire rush:
Discovery
- Year: 1998
- Location: Southern Madagascar
- Impact: Massive sapphire rush; tens of thousands of miners
- Scale: One of world's largest sapphire sources
Deposit Characteristics
- Type: Alluvial (secondary) deposits
- Extent: Large area with multiple mining sites
- Recovery: Mostly artisanal washing operations
- Output: Continues to supply significant volume
Colour Range
Madagascar sapphire colours:
Blue Sapphire
- Character: Light to medium blue; Ceylon-like appearance
- Tone: Generally lighter than Burmese
- Saturation: Variable; fine stones well saturated
- Treatment: Heat treatment common
Pink Sapphire
- Fine quality pink material
- Some padparadscha-like colours possible
- Growing market recognition
- Competes with Ceylon and Burma
Fancy Colours
- Yellow: Good saturation available
- Orange: Padparadscha potential
- Green: Commercial material
- Full spectrum: Comprehensive colour production
Ceylon Comparison
Diagnostic Inclusions
| Inclusion | Description |
|---|---|
| Zircon crystals | With tension halos; similar to Ceylon |
| Rutile silk | Variable; often short needles |
| Negative crystals | Angular fluid-filled voids |
| Growth tubes | Parallel channels |
| Colour zoning | Blue and colourless bands |
| Fingerprints | Healed fracture patterns |
| Apatite | Crystal inclusions |
Quality Range
Understanding Madagascar sapphire quality:
Fine Quality
- Vivid, well-saturated colours
- Good clarity (eye-clean to loupe-clean)
- Comparable to Ceylon fine quality
- Unheated material available at premium
Commercial Quality
- Wide range of qualities available
- Large sizes accessible
- Heat treatment common
- Good value position
Treatment Considerations
Enhancement in Madagascar sapphire:
- Heat treatment: Very common; improves colour
- Beryllium diffusion: Used on some material
- Unheated premium: Significant for fine stones
- Disclosure: Required; check certificates
- Laboratory reports: Recommended for purchases
Market Position
Madagascar sapphire in the trade:
- Volume: Major world supplier
- Value: Below Ceylon, competitive with Australian
- Quality ceiling: Fine stones match traditional sources
- Origin disclosure: Generally accepted
- Buyer advantage: Excellent value for quality