SouthernWorldwide.com – A colossal ruby, weighing approximately 11,000 carats, has been unearthed in Burma, with reports suggesting it is the second-largest ever discovered in the nation, which is currently experiencing significant conflict.
The impressive gemstone weighs about 4.8 pounds and was found in the vicinity of Mogok, a town located in the Mandalay region. Mogok is widely recognized as the heart of Burma’s gem industry and is situated in an area that has been affected by ongoing strife.
The discovery was made in mid-April, not long after the country concluded its traditional New Year celebrations.
While this newly found ruby is roughly half the size of a 21,450-carat ruby that was discovered in 1996, experts are suggesting that the current find could potentially be more valuable due to its superior quality.
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The ruby possesses a distinct purplish-red hue, accented with subtle yellow undertones. It exhibits moderate transparency and a surface that is highly reflective, adding to its allure.
Burmese President Min Aung Hlaing, along with members of his cabinet, has already had the opportunity to examine the stone. This inspection took place in Naypyidaw, the nation’s capital.
Burma is a significant global supplier of rubies, accounting for as much as 90% of the world’s total output. The majority of these precious stones originate from the Mogok region and the nearby area of Mong Hsu.
The gem trade, encompassing both legal and illicit transactions, serves as a crucial source of revenue for the country. However, this trade has also drawn considerable attention from various entities.
Rights organizations, including Global Witness, have repeatedly called on jewelers to refrain from purchasing Burmese gemstones. Their reasoning is that such trade activities can inadvertently contribute to the funding of the country’s military regimes.
Furthermore, the gem mining sector is also instrumental in financing ethnic armed groups that are actively engaged in fighting for autonomy. This dynamic further exacerbates Burma’s protracted internal conflicts.
The regions where these mining activities take place continue to be marked by instability. For example, Mogok was taken over in July 2024 by the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), which is an ethnic armed group.
Subsequently, control of Mogok was returned to the military. This shift occurred following a ceasefire agreement that was reportedly brokered by China towards the end of the previous year.
