Geology of Madagascar
The geology of Madagascar comprises a variety of rocks of Precambrian age which make up the larger part of the east and centre of the island. They are intruded by basalts and rhyolites of Mesozoic to Cenozoic age. In contrast, the western part of the island is formed from sedimentary rocks of Carboniferous to Quaternary age.[1]
The island is a micro-continent, being a sizeable fragment of continental crust which was severed from the main African plate over 150 million years ago along what is now the Mozambique Channel; an episode associated with the Mesozoic volcanism evident on the island.
Economic geology
Madagascar is a leading producer of sapphires but produces a range of other gemstones too. It is also a major source of graphite, being the second-largest producer in Africa.[2]
References
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