Massive 11,000-carat ruby unearthed in Mogkok gem tract

A massive ruby weighing 2,200 grams (11,000 carats), recently discovered in Myanmar’s famed Mogok gemstone region, was inspected by President Min Aung Hlaing, according to official reports.

The ruby was reportedly found in Mogok, Mandalay Region, shortly after the Myanmar New Year period in the year 1388 of the Myanmar calendar, following the formation of a newly elected democratic government after the country’s multi-party general election. 

President Min Aung Hlaing viewed the gemstone at the Presidential Palace on Friday morning alongside Vice Presidents U Nyo Saw and Daw Nan Ni Ni Aye, Speaker of the Pyithu Hluttaw U Khin Yi, Speaker of the Amyotha Hluttaw U Aung Lin Dwe, Commander-in-Chief General Ye Win Oo, Union Minister U Khin Maung Yi from the President’s Office, and Union Minister U Hsan Oo from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation.

Officials from the President’s Office and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation briefed attendees on the ruby’s characteristics and significance before the guests inspected the gemstone.

According to officials, the newly discovered ruby is considered extremely rare due to its unusually large size. The stone reportedly displays a purplish-red color with yellowish undertones and is regarded as having high color quality. It also has moderate transparency, strong luster, and remains in its natural, untreated state.

In the past, the rare and precious Na Wa Ta ruby weighing 99.25 grammes (496.25 carats) was discovered in 1990, another giant ruby weighing 4,290 grammes (21,450 carats) in 1996, and the NaSaKa ruby weighing 557.85 grammes (2,789.25 carats) in 2022 in Myanmar. All four pieces of ruby, including this ruby, were extracted from the Mogok region of Mandalay Region. Each individual ruby possesses distinctive characteristics and qualities, making them extremely valuable gemstones. Although the ruby discovered in 1996 was the largest in terms of weight, the recently discovered ruby is considered more valuable because its colour and quality are superior in comparison. Although the 1996 ruby remains the largest by weight, officials stated that the newly discovered ruby is considered superior in color and quality, potentially making it more valuable overall.