Discovered in 2013, the treasure of the Bossons glacier has finally been shared between the discoverer and the Chamonix commune (after eight years under seal). Half of the gems have now been transferred to the town's new crystal museum. Discover the story of this treasure trove, valued at 300,000 euros.
What is the treasure of the Bossons glacier? A look back at an extraordinary discovery.
In the summer of 2013, a mysterious Raphaël - the young Savoyard hiker prefers to remain anonymous - discovered a dented metal box on the Bossons glacier in Chamonix. Inside were 6,000 precious stones, including numerous sapphires and emeralds.
In good faith, the discoverer turned himself in to the authorities. A total of 49 bags were sealed. The treasure would wait eight years in a safe before the stones were appraised by a gem dealer. Each piece was weighed for appraisal at the Musée des Cristaux in Chamonix, in the presence of the discoverer's lawyer.
The aim was to make up two lots: the first for Raphaël, the second for Chamonix town hall. With a total value of 300,000 euros, the treasure from the Bossons glacier was divided equally, with 150,000 euros for each party. Since December 18, 2021, the commune has been displaying the treasure in the gem collection of its new Crystal Museum.
Where does the Bossons glacier treasure come from? The story of the plane crash.
The treasure of the Bossons glacier probably comes from the 1966 air crash. The Kangchenjunga, an Air India Boeing 707 bound for Switzerland from India, crashed on the Chamonix glacier. Of the 117 passengers on board, none survived. The loot probably belonged to a stone merchant on his way to Geneva for business.
For the record, the Bossons glacier was the scene of another air crash. Fifteen years earlier, the Malabar Princess - which inspired the film of the same name - crashed at the same spot. On November 3, 1950, 48 passengers perished at an altitude of 4700 meters. Rumor had it that the plane contained gold ingots. But no treasure was ever found at the site.
What does the law say about treasures found by mountaineers and hikers?
Whether you're looking for treasure as a crystal treasure hunter in Chamonix, or as the result of a chance discovery, you need to comply with the law. The law stipulates that half the treasure belongs to the finder and half to the owner of the site. And that's if no heir has been found within two years.
In this way, in accordance with the law, the treasure of the Bossons glacier belongs to both the hiker and the commune of Chamonix. The town's mayor, Eric Fournier, praised the honesty of the discoverer. Eight years after the famous discovery, the young hiker will now be able to enjoy his loot.
