Inclusions in aquamarine from ambatofotsikely, madagascar

Abstract

In January 2012, aquamarine crystals containing interesting inclusions were extracted from the Ambatofotsikely area northwest of Antsirabe, Madagascar. These specimens displayed various types of eye-visible and microscopic inclusions, and some had an unusual form. Raman microspectroscopy identified reddish brown plate lets as hematite, while ilmenite was found as black platelets, black needles, and distinctive dark gray dendrites. Similar inclusions are known in beryl from Brazil, India, Mozambique, and Sri Lanka. © 2012 Gemological Institute of America.