Rare 11,000-Carat Ruby Unearthed in Myanmar Mine

A ruby weighing 11,000 carats has been pulled from a mine in Myanmar, making it the second-largest gemstone ever discovered in the conflict-ridden nation. The find came shortly after the country's New Year celebrations in April, according to a report by the New York Post.

Gem experts have valued the newly unearthed ruby higher than the largest previously found stone, citing its exceptional quality. While the new gem weighs roughly half as much as Myanmar's record-holder—a 4,290-gram stone—its superior clarity and color set it apart.

Gemstone Characteristics and Location

The ruby exhibits a violet-red hue with a faint yellow tint, medium transparency, and a striking glassy luster. It was discovered in Mogok, a city at the heart of Myanmar's ongoing civil war, which has pitted the ruling military council against People's Defence Forces since 2021.

Mogok is renowned as one of the world's most significant sources of rubies, believed to hold roughly 90% of global ruby reserves. Myanmar's rubies are famously nicknamed "pigeon's blood" for their vivid red color, and the gem trade has long served as a key funding source for armed groups in the country.