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 platelets 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.
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 platelets 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.
