Photo Courtesy: Global New Light of Myanmar
An 11,000-carat ruby has been discovered in Burma (Myanmar), one of the largest gemstones ever found in the country renowned for its world-famous rubies. The 2.2-kilogram (4.8-pound) stone was unearthed near the gem-rich town of Mogok and is the second-largest ruby ever discovered there by weight, according to state-run media.
Min Aung Hlaing, the recently sworn-in president, personally inspected the gemstone at the President’s Office with senior officials. Myanmar has been under military rule since the 2021 coup that sparked ongoing civil conflict. The former military chief who led the coup was sworn in last month as civilian president after a widely criticized election.
A ruby found in 1996 remains the largest by weight. State media (Global New Light of Myanmar) claims the new stone is more valuable due to superior color and quality.
Bottom Line
Burma rubies typically lose 70% of their weight when cut from rough to faceted stones. This piece could theoretically yield about 3,300 carats faceted. One monster stone or many smaller ones? Unlikely. It looks like cabochon or carving material—low quality compared to gem-grade ruby. The government says otherwise, as expected. It may interest museums or collectors but won’t supply the high-end gem market where real global demand exists. Interesting? Yes. New top gem material? No.
Photo Courtesy: Global New Light of Myanmar