Crystals from Madagascar

Madagascar has an exceptionally rich geology for its size, and much of its stone is extracted by small artisanal operations, some of them family-run. It produces labradorite with particularly vivid flashes, pale blue celestite geodes from the Mahajanga region, rose quartz, citrine and morganite.

Ocean jasper is probably its most singular stone: the best-known deposit lies on the north-west coast, by the sea, and could only be reached at low tide. Its patterns of orbs and concentric circles look like no other jasper.

Celestite is soft (3 to 3.5) and fades in sunlight: keep it in the shade. Labradorite only shows its flashes at certain angles; the same bead can look grey, then electric blue, depending on the light. Ocean jasper, at 6.5–7, is tough and can be worn every day without worry.