Madagascar Ruby
Ruby from Andilamena and other regions - characteristics, heat treatment, beryllium diffusion concerns.
Introduction
Madagascar ruby is produced from several geographically distinct deposits across
the island, principally Andilamena (northern Madagascar) and Vatomandry (eastern
coast). Quality is highly variable: some Andilamena material achieves good colour
saturation and, where iron content is low enough, moderate LWUV fluorescence;
the majority of production is commercial-grade, often heavily included or
requiring heat treatment.
Treatment disclosure is a particularly important issue for Madagascar ruby:
low-temperature heat treatment is common and generally accepted if disclosed;
however, beryllium diffusion treatment (which uses trace elements diffused
at high temperature to alter colour throughout the stone) has also been
recorded, and its detection requires LA-ICP-MS testing. Laboratory certification
is strongly recommended for any significant Madagascar ruby purchase. Madagascar
plays an increasing role as a secondary ruby source filling supply gaps from
Myanmar; it is generally priced below Mozambique for comparable quality.
[1]
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 [1]
- 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
References
- ↑ 1. Palke, A.; Renfro, N.; Berg, R. (2019). Geographic Origin Determination of Ruby. Gems & Gemology, 55(4), 580–612. DOI: 10.5741/gems.55.4.580.