Production and distribution of sapphires from Andranondambo, Malagasy

Sapphire from Andranondambo: a striking picture of the structure of crystal faces with rhombohedral morphology. 40x

The occurrence of sapphire crystals on the Andranondambo mine is reported to be erratic, and considering the number of workers on the mine, the output appears to be limited at times. Gem traders are regularly present in the village and mostly acquire the day's spoil from the miners in the evening. The major proportion - an estimation says 90% - of the production is shipped to Bangkok for heat treatment and cutting.