Gemologists Give Virtual Tour of Madagascar Gems, Life
By Mauricio Minotta

GIA staff members were taken on a picture-by-picture tour of Madagascar through a presentation given at the Institute’s World Headquarters by Gems & Gemology Editor Brendan Laurs, G.G., and GIA Museum Consultant Edward Boehm, G.G., after their recent trip to the island nation. The Nov. 19 presentation was given again later in the evening as part of the GIA Museum’s “Color Perspectives” lecture series, and attended by over 100 community members, gem and mineral aficionados and GIA students.

The pair shared more than 170 images and stories that described the friendly people, history and the wide-ranging landscapes. 

They also explained the island’s geological makeup, which is divided into two principal areas. The west side primarily consists of sedimentary rocks, while the central and eastern portions are formed mainly of metamorphic and igneous rocks. Each area hosts different types of gem deposits. The landscape is equally varied, ranging from rainforests to mountainous grasslands to dry deserts, they said.

Besides the abundance of gems available in Madagascar, agriculture and fishing are the main sources of income. The average salary on the island is $760 per year and most homes in the countryside are built out of mud bricks. Boehm and Laurs said they were impressed with the friendly nature and resourcefulness of the people.

In some areas, the locals were eager to have their picture taken, especially since the digital camera allowed them to instantly see their picture. The sight of a camera could stir them into a frenzy, Laurs said.

“If you weren’t careful, you could start a commotion among the children,” he said.

In addition to sapphires, garnets, and tourmalines, the new gem pezzottaite (a cesium-rich member of the beryl group) was described. This bright pink material has been faceted and also cut into cat’s-eye cabochons, but is likely to remain a collector’s stone due to its rarity.

The lecture included an exhibit, organized by the GIA Museum staff, of gems and minerals from Madagascar. The specimens were on loan from Bill Larson of Pala International, Inc. and gem dealer Tom Cushman.

“This was the perfect way to round out the Museum lecture series year. The richly illustrated presentation gave us all the impression of having actually been there,” said Museum Director Elise Misiorowski. “I had many guests tell me enthusiastically that they enjoyed it.”