Huge deposit of most precious gemstone Sapphire found in Tigrai State northern Ethiopia

Tigrai Online, April 14, 2017

According to a Voice of America - VOA Tigrigna news program a massive deposit of sapphire has been found in Tigrai State northern Ethiopia.

Sapphire is the most precious and valuable blue gemstone on Earth. Blue sapphire is the most desirable gemstone next diamond due to its excellent blue color, hardness, durability, and luster.

The deposit is found in three parts of Tigrai State around central, western and north western of the state. According to Mr. Maerig Hadush, Tigrai state official of mining and energy sector, about six thousand local traditional miners are mining in the different locations. The sapphire is sold 2500 to 3500 Birr per a gram in local markets the official indicated. He added the government is working for the gemstone to be sold as an Ethiopian sapphire in the world market. Some companies are marketing it as a Madagascar sapphire in the world and the Ethiopian government wants to stop that.

In the world market a finished product of a blue sapphire will be sold at price of up to $15,000.00 dollars per a carat.