Rubies from the Montepuez Area


A large, silky ruby crystal from the Montepuez area of Mozambique, seen in Nampula in September 2009. Photo by Vincent Pardieu/GIA.
In October 2013, GIA’s Bangkok laboratory produced a study of the samples collected during the September 2012 expedition. The study featured FTIR and UV-Vis spectra and chemical analysis of one reference sample from each of the four main ruby mining sites in the area. The study also included numerous inclusion photos that will enable the gemologist to more easily identify rubies from Montepuez. Download PDF to view.