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Home
Kenya
Somalia
South Africa
Tanzania
"Z" countries |
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SIERRA
LEONE |
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The Mano
River, which forms part of the boundary between Sierra Leone
and Guinea, is the locale for alluvial deposits of lilac
sapphires to red rubies. They were found by local artisanal
miners above the diamondiferous strata they were
interested in. These nuisance stones were thought to
be of no particular value and until recently were discarded.
We are currently involved in efforts to develop a market for
them, both as collectible specimens and as gemstone (cab and
facetable) rough. Regional geology and water wear
indicate that lode sources may be more than 100 kilometers
upstream, possibly in Liberia. |
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Two
individuals, Emmedy Harris and Joseph James, have separately
gone to the area and are attempting to educate the miners
about the value of these stones, and we are assisting with
market development. In a short while (by August ot
September, 2008), it appears we will be offering a selection
for sale. Most of the profits from sales will go back
to the locality for schools, medical supplies, boreholes,
and other necessities. Look here for further
information, photos. etc. from Joseph James in the near
future. |
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Some outstanding
bipyramidal crystals have come out of Sierra Leone
(left image). This older specimen
was obtained from the Bill Larson collection.
The ones on the right probably do star rather
nicely!
More details to follow .... |
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On the left is a strange "black ruby" corundum river
cobble found near Kono (Sedafu), Sierra Leone.
Note how it seems to "sparkle" due to small domains
of lustrous (chatoyant?) ruby which peer through the
darker outer layer. It is the only
specimen of this genre I have seen.
Blue
and white corundums, some weighing several pounds,
as well as particolored ones, are occasionally
found in the same general area (right).
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