Madagascar’s interim president, who took power last month, has unveiled a 300 kg gemstone that he says was discovered inside the presidential palace in Antananarivo.
The dark, heavy boulder, cut through with streaks of bright green crystal, was displayed on Tuesday evening at the Ambohitsorohitra State Palace. Officials described it as an “emerald in matrix”, though experts still need to assess the size and quality of the emerald embedded in the stone.
Colonel Michael Randrianirina, standing beside the gemstone, called it a national asset and said that any potential sale would follow clear procedures to maximise state revenue, promising full transparency. He did not explain when or how the stone was found, stating only that officials came across the “incredible national treasure” upon taking office and that its presence in the palace remains unexplained.
Mines Minister Carl Andriamparany said the gemstone would excite collectors, noting that emeralds preserved within their natural matrix are exceptionally rare. He added that there is no known record of a similar find in Madagascar.
The government has said that any proceeds from a future sale will be deposited directly into the state treasury.
