Excursion: Exploring Gem-A ATC Institute of Gemmology in Madagascar
In the heart of Madagascar's capital city, Antananarivo, lies the Institut de Gemmologie de Madagascar (IGM), a renowned gemology institution. Established and recognised in Madagascar, the IGM stands out as the only school of its kind on the African continent [1].
The IGM offers a range of courses, including lapidary courses, as well as Gem-A Foundation and Diploma courses, providing students with comprehensive training in gem identification and analysis, drawing parallels with international gemological standards [1]. However, specific details about the courses, such as curriculum contents or duration, are not readily available in the public domain.
The IGM is situated on a hill overlooking the city, offering a panoramic view of 'Tana' [2]. The institute is spacious and well-equipped, fostering a lively and engaging atmosphere. Accommodation near the IGM is affordable, making it an accessible choice for students from various African countries who attend the institute for their studies.
The IGM boasts a gem testing laboratory where students learn and apply gemmological skills such as observation, refractive index (RI) measurement, and specific gravity (SG) [3]. The institute hosts an annual lapidary competition with two levels: Basic and Master [4].
Recently, Barbara Kolator, a Gem-A tutor, visited the IGM and served as a judge in the competition [5]. During her visit, she met students from Morocco, Cameroon, Malawi, and Madagascar, all of whom were enthusiastic and engaged in their studies [6]. Barbara felt proud of the IGM's association with Gem-A, further emphasising the institute's commitment to maintaining high-quality gemmological education.
In the near future, the IGM will acquire a Raman Spectrometer, further enhancing its facilities and capabilities [7]. The institute's courses are offered in either English or French, catering to a diverse student population.
For comprehensive and updated information on IGM’s courses, infrastructure, and student profile, it is recommended to consult the official IGM website or contact them directly, as the available search results do not provide detailed specifics on these aspects.
[1] Institut de Gemmologie de Madagascar (IGM) - Wikipedia [2] The view from the IGM offers a panoramic perspective of the city of Antananarivo [3] The IGM has a gem testing laboratory that uses learned gemmological skills such as observation, RI measurement, and SG [4] The IGM hosts an annual lapidary competition with two levels: Basic and Master [5] Barbara Kolator, a Gem-A tutor, recently visited the IGM and served as a judge in the competition [6] During her visit, she met students from Morocco, Cameroon, Malawi, and Madagascar, all of whom were enthusiastic and engaged in their studies [7] Shortly, the IGM will be getting a Raman Spectrometer
- The Institut de Gemmologie de Madagascar (IGM) provides membership to students, offering a range of courses such as lapidary courses, Gem-A Foundation and Diploma courses in both English and French.
- The IGM's gem testing laboratory, a part of its well-equipped foundation, provides students with hands-on learning experiences in gemmology, using skills like observation, refractive index (RI) measurement, and specific gravity (SG).
- Every year, the IGM hosts workshops in the form of an annual lapidary competition, with two levels: Basic and Master, which attracts students from various African countries.
- Publications related to gemmology, technology, and education-and-self-development can be valuable resources for students at the IGM, complementing their coursework and practical learning.
- Lifestyle magazines may feature articles about the IGM's events, Student Profile, and its commitment to maintaining high-quality gemmological education, both locally in Madagascar and across Africa.
- As technology advances, the IGM is planning to upgrade its facilities, with the acquisition of a Raman Spectrometer in the near future, further enhancing their capabilities in the field of gemmology.
