Author Archives: mrahm

About mrahm

Michelle holds a Graduate Gemologist Diploma, Graduate Diamonds Diploma and Graduate Colored Stones Diploma through the Gemological Institute of America's distance education program. Michelle currently serves as President of the Mile High GIA Alumni Association. She also serves on the board of the Rocky Mountain Jeweler's Association and is a member of the American Gem Trade Association.

Madagascar: A gemologist’s journey (Isalo National Park Morning)

Posted on January 26, 2015 by mrahm

On the way from Amboarohy corundum deposit to Illakaka sapphire deposit we pass Isalo National Park, Madagascar’s most visited national park…and probably the most beautiful. This unique park has incredibly diverse landscapes including grassy plains, mountains, deep canyons and tropical … Continue reading →

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Madagascar: A gemologist’s journey (Amboarohy corundum quarry)

Posted on January 21, 2015 by mrahm

Amboarohy is a famous locality for sapphire and ruby in well-formed crystals occurring in biotite metamorphic schists. The mine is located at the top of the mountain near the town of Zazafotsy. It’s a several-mile hike up to the top. … Continue reading →

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Madagascar: A gemologist’s journey (Anja Community Reserve)

Posted on January 19, 2015 by mrahm

Our morning on this day was spent in Ranomafana National Park. We left mid day to reach Anja Community Reserve before evening. This is a beautiful park located outside of Ambalavao. Anja Community Reserve is a gorgeous 74-acre wonderland. Designated … Continue reading →

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Madagascar: A gemologist’s journey (Daytime in Ranomafana)

Posted on January 16, 2015 by mrahm

I remember this morning awakening for the first time surrounded by mosquito netting and listening to the call of lemurs in the forest. It was amazing! This area is known for mosquitoes, especially in the evening. I was told by … Continue reading →

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Madagascar: A gemologist’s journey (Evening in Ranomafana)

Posted on January 14, 2015 by mrahm

Continuing on from Ambatovaky we head to Ranomafana, where we spent a day without gem mining activities to enjoy the park. Ranomafana National Park, located outside Ranomafana the town, is a gorgeous tropical rain forest comprising over 161 square miles. … Continue reading →

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Madagascar: A gemologist’s journey (Placer gold locality)

Posted on January 12, 2015 by mrahm

About an hour outside of Ambositra in the country is a gold placer mining locality. In this placer gold locality miners use very primitive methods. It is said they find on average only .30 gram per day among all of … Continue reading →

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Madagascar: A gemolgist’s journey (Ambositra)

Posted on January 8, 2015 by mrahm

My goodness, time has gotten away from me. I left for a mission to Madagascar on October 20th and returned just in time for the busy holiday season. Unfortunately I mis-calculated how much time I would have on the Internet … Continue reading →

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