A massive ruby found in Myanmar could be one of the most valuable of its kind, according to state officials who revealed the discovery late last week.
The 11,000-carat ruby, believed to be one of the largest ever produced in the country, was reported by state media on Friday, where the leader of the country’s new military-backed government, Min Aung Hlaing, appeared alongside the precious stone in images.
Myanmar, a country known for its exceptional rubies, has been led by Hlaing’s government since a 2021 coup that resulted in a civil war. Min Aung Hlaing, a former military chief, was sworn in only recently and has served as Myanmar’s civilian president since April.
Weighing in at almost five pounds, the gigantic ruby was brought to Hlaing’s office following a challenging effort, with an official government statement describing the ruby as “exceptionally large, rare, and difficult to find.”
Although still smaller than the largest known ruby recovered in the county, which clocked in at an astounding 21,450 carats, the new “giant” ruby is believed to be more valuable than its predecessor, which was discovered in 1996.
“The giant ruby has a purplish-red color with yellowish undertones and is considered to have a high-quality color grade,” Myanmar’s military government officials said in a statement, noting the precious stone’s “superior color, clarity, and overall quality,” which they say could make it one of the most valuable ever found in the country.
Such rubies, traditionally known as Mogok rubies for the valley of Mogok where they are found within the country’s Mandalay region, are also sometimes referred to as “pigeon blood stones” due to their unique crimson hue.
Given their rarity and uniqueness, Mogok rubies are among the most coveted among jewelers, and past finds have commanded prices in the millions.
Micah Hanks is the Editor-in-Chief and Co-Founder of The Debrief. A longtime reporter on science, defense, and technology with a focus on space and astronomy, he can be reached at micah@thedebrief.org. Follow him on X @MicahHanks, and at micahhanks.com.