Ilakaka, In the Making
Vato Masina: Sapphires rush near Bemainty, Madagascar
In September 2016 a major sapphire rush took place near Bemainty village close to Ambatondrazaka in Madagascar. Blue and orange sapphires of exceptional quality and size were discovered in a forest covered area part of the CAZ, an area dedicated to conservation. The discovery soon attracted tens of thousands of miners from all around Madagascar.…
Sapphire mining and trading around Ilakaka, Madagascar by GIA
In this short video you will accompany GIA Field Gemologist Vincent Pardieu and his team as they introduce you to Madagascar’s Ilakaka sapphire mining area. Located in the south of the island of Madagascar, the Ilakaka area is one of the world’s largest sapphire deposits, and currently one of the most active.
CNN – How sapphires are changing Madagascar’s fortunes
How sapphires are changing Madagascar’s fortunes. The precious stone business in Africa is growing rapidly. CNN heads to Madagascar to learn how this island nation produces a treasure trove of sapphires. Source: CNN http://edition.cnn.com/videos/world/2016/11/21/marketplace-africa-madagascar-sapphires.cnn
FOLLOW THE ZEBRA
The rare and captivating beauty of a gemstone is inspiring to many, though few are aware of the toils of the brave men who dig them from the rocky and unforgiving ground. Filmmaker Philippe Brunot leads us to the heart of Tanzania and Kenya to unveil the secluded profession of the gem seeker. The gemstone…