Stone Carving Voir la version PDF

On this island where geology is so varied, “stone carving” is an ancient craft, transmitted from generation to generation.

Diversité des pierres naturelles
Jean-François Clergerie en visite chez un marchand de pierres naturelles

Madagascar is very rich in precious and semi-precious stones. The stones were originally carved to make tools and weapons. The craft then evolved towards producing ornamental stones (jewels) and sculptures.

There are two techniques for carving :

  • Cabochon : it is a stone which, once carved, is rounded at the top. This technique is best for bringing out colours and impressions of opaque stones such as jasper, amazonite or septarian ;
  • Facetting : stones carved in facets have a series of flat and polished surfaces. This technique allows to reflect the light in an incredible way and thus gives the shine and shimmering quality to transparent or translucent stones such as quartz, ruby, sapphire, emerald or agate.

Click on an image to enlarge.

Pierre brutes - Avant le polissage Polissage des pierres - Travail à la machine Étal de pierres travaillées - Marché d'Antananarivo Pierres polies - Après le polissage Vente de pierres - Marché d'Antananarivo Étal de pierres - Pierres naturelles ou polies. Pièces de toutes tailles Vente de pierres polies - Jeux, pierres polies Vendeuse de pierres - Région d'Antananarivo info document info document Labradorite - Photo prise au dépot.Pierre avec de superbes reflets !
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