11,000-carat ruby unearthed in Myanmar’s gemstone heartland

Myanmar’s gemstone heartland unearths 11,000-carat ruby

Mohan Sinha
17 May 2026, 12:36 GMT+10

Miners in Myanmar have found a very large and rare ruby weighing about 11,000 carats. It is believed to be the second-largest ruby ever found in the country, according to state media.
Although it is about half the size of a bigger ruby found in 1996, experts say this new one may be more valuable because of its better color and quality.
Gem mining also helps fund ethnic armed groups fighting the government, which has added to long-running conflicts.

BANGKOK, Thailand: Miners in Myanmar have found a very large and rare ruby. It is believed to be the second-largest ruby ever found in the country, according to state media on May 15.

The ruby weighs about 11,000 carats (around 2.2 kilograms) and was discovered near Mogok in the Mandalay region, which is famous for gem mining. This area has also seen heavy fighting during the country's ongoing civil war. The stone was found in mid-April, shortly after the New Year festival.

Although it is about half the size of a larger ruby found in 1996, experts say this new one may be more valuable because of its better color and quality. It has a purplish-red color with slight yellow tones, good clarity, and a shiny surface.

Myanmar produces up to 90 percent of the world's rubies, mainly from Mogok and Mong Hsu. The gem trade is a major source of income, both legally and through smuggling. However, human rights groups have asked jewelers not to buy Myanmar gems because the money has supported military governments for many years.

A new civilian-style government was formed this year after elections widely criticized as unfair. The vote kept President Min Aung Hlaing, who led the 2021 military takeover, in power. He and his team recently inspected the ruby in the capital, Naypyitaw.

Gem mining also helps fund ethnic armed groups fighting the government, which has added to long-running conflicts. The mining areas remain unstable. Mogok was taken over in July 2024 by the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), but control later returned to the army after a ceasefire agreement helped by China.

Watch latest videos

News RELEASES

Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Myanmar Sun.

More Information

Southeast Asia

Section

Myanmar’s gemstone heartland unearths 11,000-carat ruby

BANGKOK, Thailand: Miners in Myanmar have found a very large and rare ruby. It is believed to be the second-largest ruby ever found...

Israel, Hezbollah Exchange Attacks After Extending Cease-Fire

New posts 09:27 US Lets Russian Oil Waiver Linked To Iran War Expire, Reimposing Sanctions WASHINGTON -- The Trump administration...

CINBAX-II 2026 concludes in Cambodia: Indian Army, Royal Cambodian Army strengthen interoperability

Phnom Penh [Cambodia], May 17 (ANI): The Closing Ceremony of the second edition of Joint Military Exercise CINBAX-II 2026, between...

"Knelt before America, surrendered India": Nishikant Dubey alleges Congress "handed over" Sir Creek, Siachen to Pakistan on US orders

New Delhi [India], May 17 (ANI): BJP MP Nishikant Dubey on Sunday accused the former Congress government of 'kneeling before America...

Shanghai Diamond League: Parul narrowly misses out on breaking her women's 3000 m steeplechase record

Shaoxing [China], May 17 (ANI): Indian athlete Parul Chaudhary narrowly missed out on breaking her own national record in women's 3000...

CNG price hiked by Rs 1 per kg in Delhi-NCR, second rise in two days

New Delhi [India], May 17 (ANI): Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) prices were raised by Rs 1 per kg across Delhi-NCR with effect from Sunday,...

International

Section

Myanmar’s gemstone heartland unearths 11,000-carat ruby

Watch latest videos

News RELEASES

Southeast Asia

Myanmar’s gemstone heartland unearths 11,000-carat ruby

Israel, Hezbollah Exchange Attacks After Extending Cease-Fire

CINBAX-II 2026 concludes in Cambodia: Indian Army, Royal Cambodian Army strengthen interoperability

"Knelt before America, surrendered India": Nishikant Dubey alleges Congress "handed over" Sir Creek, Siachen to Pakistan on US orders

Shanghai Diamond League: Parul narrowly misses out on breaking her women's 3000 m steeplechase record

CNG price hiked by Rs 1 per kg in Delhi-NCR, second rise in two days

International

North America’s largest commuter rail system shuts as unions strike

Myanmar’s gemstone heartland unearths 11,000-carat ruby

Kalshi and Polymarket flag rise in questionable bets

Dublin’s garda faces charges over ammunition, corruption, gets bail

Trump says China wants Hormuz open; he is losing patience with Iran

Asking jailed banker for funds not wrong, says Flávio Bolsonaro

Movie Review

Network (4K UHD) [Blu-Ray]