A huge ruby discovered in Burma has been described as the second largest ever found in the troubled Asian country.
The ruby weighs about 11,000 carats — roughly 4.8 kilograms — and was found near Mogok in the Mandalay region, which is the center of Burma’s gem mining and an area affected by ongoing conflicts, the Associated Press reported, citing state media.
The stone was found in mid-April, shortly after the country’s traditional New Year holidays.
Although it is about half the size of the 21,450-carat ruby found in 1996, experts believe the new find could be more valuable because of its higher quality.
The ruby has a purplish-red hue with slight yellowish hues, moderate transparency and a highly reflective surface, FOX news reported.
Burmese President Min Aung Hlaing and members of his cabinet have already examined the gem in the capital Naypyidaw.
Burma provides up to 90% of the world’s rubies, with most of them coming from the Mogok and Mong Hsu regions.
The trade in gems — both legal and illegal — is one of the country’s main sources of income.
Human rights groups, including Global Witness, have for years urged jewelers to avoid buying Burmese gems, saying the trade helps finance the country’s military regimes.
Photo: Fox news
