Miners in Myanmar have uncovered an exceptionally rare ruby weighing five pounds, state media reported on Friday. The gem, measuring 11,000 carats, was found near the town of Mogok, a war-torn area at the heart of the lucrative gem-mining industry.
Discovery and Unveiling
The ruby was discovered shortly after the country's traditional New Year festival in April and was later presented at President Min Aung Hlaing's office in Naypyidaw, according to the state-run Global New Light of Myanmar. It is now considered the second-largest ruby ever found in Myanmar.
Comparison to Largest Ruby
While weighing roughly half the size of the largest Myanmar ruby—a 21,450-carat stone discovered in 1996—the newly found gem is deemed more valuable due to its superior color, high-grade transparency, and highly reflective surface.
Economic and Ethical Concerns
Myanmar relies heavily on gemstones as a major revenue source, producing up to 90% of the world's rubies, primarily from the Mogok region. However, human rights groups have urged jewelers to stop purchasing Myanmar-sourced gems, as the industry has provided vital revenue for military governments. Additionally, gemstone mining serves as a primary income source for armed groups fighting for autonomy after the 2021 military takeover that ousted a democratically elected government, as reported by the Associated Press.
