A massive 11,000-carat ruby has been unearthed in Myanmar’s war-scarred gemstone heartland
WSLS • • world
Key Points:
- Miners in Myanmar have discovered an 11,000-carat (2.2 kg) ruby near Mogok, making it the second-largest ruby ever found in the country, according to state media.
- The ruby is valued highly due to its purplish-red color, quality, moderate transparency, and reflective surface, despite being roughly half the weight of the largest ruby found in 1996.
- Myanmar produces about 90% of the world’s rubies, with the gem industry being a significant revenue source for both the military government and ethnic armed groups amid ongoing civil conflict.
- Human rights groups have called for jewelers to boycott Myanmar rubies, citing the industry's role in funding military regimes and fueling internal conflicts.
- The ruby was recently examined by Myanmar’s military leader, President Min Aung Hlaing, following a controversial election and ongoing political instability in the country.
