Miners in Myanmar have discovered a massive 11,000-carat ruby described as being as heavy as a small dog, in what officials say could become one of the country’s most valuable gemstone finds in years.
The giant gemstone was unearthed in the Mogok region, an area globally renowned for producing some of the world’s finest rubies. Authorities said the stone is believed to be the second-largest ruby by weight ever discovered in the war-torn nation.
The ruby reportedly weighs around 4.8 pounds (about 2.2kg), comparable to a fully grown Chihuahua, and has been described by officials as exceptionally rare due to its size and quality.
According to a statement from the military-backed administration, the gem features a purplish-red hue with yellowish undertones and is considered to be of high colour grade.
While smaller than a 21,450-carat ruby discovered in the same region in 1996, officials say this newly found stone may be more valuable due to its superior clarity, colour, and overall quality.
The exact valuation of the ruby has not yet been disclosed, but gemstones from Mogok are among the most sought-after in the world and can fetch multi-million-dollar prices.
The discovery was significant enough that Myanmar’s junta leader, Min Aung Hlaing, was photographed inspecting the gemstone during an official viewing, according to state media.
Mogok, located in Myanmar’s Mandalay region, has long been known as the “Valley of Rubies”, with its “pigeon-blood” stones historically attracting intense global demand and competition.
Experts say high-quality rubies from the region remain among the most valuable gemstones in the international market, particularly due to their rarity and limited supply.
The discovery comes amid ongoing political instability in Myanmar following the 2021 military coup, which has significantly affected the country’s mining and gemstone industry.
Recent years have also seen other major gemstone discoveries worldwide, including a rare star sapphire found in Sri Lanka, further highlighting the global race for extraordinary mineral finds.
