Myanmar Unveils Rare 11,000-carat Purplish-red Ruby Discovered In Mogok

By Vijian Paramasivam

PHNOM PENH, May 8 (Bernama) -- A rare, large ruby weighing 2,200 grammes with striking features was recently discovered in Mogok, Mandalay Region, which could add glitter to the nation’s world-famous ruby industry. 

State media The Global New Light of Myanmar on Friday reported that the ruby could be one of the rarest  found in Myanmar, a key player in the gemstone industry.

“The recently-discovered ruby weighs 2,200 grammes (11,000 carats), making it exceptionally large, rare and difficult to find,” said the state media.

Mogok – dubbed the “Valley of Rubies” and located in the north of Mandalay – is a remote town famous for precious rubies and sapphires that are mined in the surrounding valleys and hills of the city.

“The giant ruby has a purplish-red colour with yellowish undertones and is considered to have a high-quality colour grade.

"It also has moderate transparency, excellent vitreous lustre and remains in its natural state without any treatment or enhancement,” said the report.

Myanmar has been recognised for its precious gemstones for centuries, mainly rubies, sapphires, pearls, and high-quality jade.

The “Pigeon Blood Rubies” are believed to be among the finest in the world, said The Global New Light of Myanmar in a report on the gemstone industry last December.

Rubies, discovered over 2,000 years ago, are considered one of the rarest gemstones. Sotheby’s, the world-renowned London-headquartered auction house, on its website said “the most valuable rubies are unheated and are mined in Burma (Myanmar) and Mozambique.”

Rubies embody royal elegance and are often worn by ancient warriors for protection. According to Sotheby’s, rubies are called “Ratnaraj” or king of precious stones in the ancient Sanskrit language.

-- BERNAMA