Madagascar

Lying 300 miles off the coast of South Africa is Madagascar, the 4th largest island in the world.  Separated from mainland Africa for over 150 million years, Madagascar has evolved into a country that is like no place else on Earth! 

From the fantastically rich flora and fauna, incredibly unusual terrain and stunning mineral world, Madagascar is definitely off the beaten track.

Nader's mentor Paul Obeniche, has lived and worked in Madagascar for over 50 years.  Here, he has worked with minerals of all kinds and is credited with the discovery of the one and only Ocean Jasper! 

Paul first invited Nader to visit Madagascar in 2005.   It was an experience like none other, and since then Nader has visited twice a year.  On each trip he makes more connections that the one before.  In doing this, Nader is introduced to the absolute best quality mineral specimens Madagascar has to offer by mining families literally waiting for his arrival! 

They appreciate his kindness and respect and save their best specimens for the "long haired American, Mr. Nader!"

90% of the material we purchase in Madagascar is ready to be put on shelves as soon as it arrives.  In other words, cutting and polishing of material is done by locals in Mr. Obeniche’s factory.  These Malagasy factory workers are truly skilled artisans. 

Once the perfect pieces of rough material are chosen for retail, the artisans go to work, cutting and polishing Polychrome Jasper into flames, Ocean Jasper and Carnelian into hearts, Labradorite into freeforms, Ammonites into polished pieces and Petrified Wood into tables… using only the most simplistic of tools.  

Caroline Yarborough, our graphic and interior designer, helps Nader come up with new ideas, incorporating modern convention and Madagascar minerals.  For example, our Labradorite nesting tables will be available in the spring!

Throughout his month long trips, Nader visits mines and is surrounded by local Malagasy miners, showing him what they have to offer.  He works alongside miners and geologists and brings happiness into the lives of locals. 

With you in mind, picking and choosing meticulously, he sorts material for the gallery, online store and wholesale business.

Unbelievably, Nader fills two shipping containers amounting to over 30 tons of material to be shipped back to Enter the Earth’s warehouse in Asheville, NC!   WOW!

Every single piece we bring to you has a certain uniqueness and is extremely high in quality... it is chosen by hand and comes to you DIRECTLY FROM THE SOURCE.