Madagascar's interim president, Colonel Michael Randrianirina, has presented a large gemstone discovered within the presidential palace. The 300-kilogram boulder, described as an emerald in its natural matrix, was displayed at the Ambohitsorohitra State Palace. Officials stated the stone requires expert analysis to determine the quality and size of the emerald it contains.
Colonel Randrianirina declared the stone a national asset, indicating it could be sold to increase state revenues. He promised complete transparency in the process but provided no details on how or when the stone was found. Mines Minister Carl Andriamparany noted that an emerald with its matrix is a rare find for collectors, adding that no similar stone has been documented in the country's history. The government confirmed that any proceeds from a sale would be directed to the state treasury.
Colonel Randrianirina declared the stone a national asset, indicating it could be sold to increase state revenues. He promised complete transparency in the process but provided no details on how or when the stone was found. Mines Minister Carl Andriamparany noted that an emerald with its matrix is a rare find for collectors, adding that no similar stone has been documented in the country's history. The government confirmed that any proceeds from a sale would be directed to the state treasury.
