The minister of energy, mining and mineral resources, Sanja Bozinovska, visited the small gallery “Otkritie” in Skopje, which, under the leadership of an NGO, is dedicated to preserving, documenting and promoting the rich mineral heritage of the Republic of Macedonia.
During the visit, minister Bozinovska emphasized that the Macedonian ruby, unique in its origin and features, deserves institutional protection and recognition as a national treasure. She emphasized that it is time not only for enthusiasts, individuals and NGOs to promote this unique stone, but also for state institutions to actively get involved. The Ministry is already working on coordinating all relevant institutions – together with the Geological Survey of Macedonia – in order for the Macedonian ruby to receive official status as a protected national mineral heritage.
The visit was enriched by the presence of the Ambassador of the French Republic, Christophe Le Rigoleur, as well as Grégoire Egoroff, a representative of the National Museum of Natural Sciences in Paris. Mr. Egoroff brought rare samples of stones and minerals from France to the gallery – including the stone used to build Notre Dame Cathedral and the Élysée Palace – and as the author of a book on the minerals of Europe, he announced that he was considering including the Macedonian ruby in the next edition.
The event was also attended by the director of the Geological Survey of Macedonia, Ivica Andov, who provided expert support for the initiative and emphasized the scientific value of the ruby.
The long-time promoter of the Macedonian ruby, Deko made a special impression by explaining in detail the history of each specimen and presented the making of an artistic key in which Macedonian ruby, amazonite and all other minerals from our soil are embedded. When asked by Ambassador Le Rigoleur what this key symbolically “opens”, the answer was: “The heart of the Macedonian people, and if we want – also the secrets of our beautiful country”.
The Macedonian ruby, also known as corundum with a characteristic red color, is geologically unique: it is found only in the surroundings of Prilep and in the mountains around Mariovo and is the only ruby in Europe that is naturally mined and processed. In addition to its aesthetic and collector’s value, it is part of the cultural and historical heritage of our country.
Minister Bozinovska said that this is just the beginning of a larger process of protection, appreciation and international promotion of Macedonia's mineral wealth – as part of the national identity and our natural pride.
With regards,
Ministry of energy, mining and mineral resources
