11,000-ct Ruby Recovered in War-Torn Myanmar

(IDEX Online) - A huge 11,000-carat rough ruby has been recovered in Mogok, Myanmar, according to state media.

It's just over half the size of the 21,450-carat rough gem found in ruby-rich Mogok in 1996 - which is often described as the largest discovered in the country - but is said to have superior color, luster, and transparency.

The stone, weighing 2.2 kg (4lb 14oz) was reportedly discovered in mid-April 2026, just days after Min Aung Hlaing was sworn in as president following widely-disputed elections.

Myanmar (formerly Burma) which supplies 90% of the world's rubies, has been embroiled in civil war since the 2021 military coup. The conflict has reportedly claimed around 90,000 lives and displaced more than 3.5 million people.

This is how the state-run Global New Light of Myanmar newspaper framed the discovery: "After the democratic government elected by the people through free and fair multiparty democratic general elections in the Republic of the Union of Myanmar took office, a piece of antique, beautiful, and large ruby was discovered in the gems land of Mogok in Mandalay Region, during the post-New Year period of 1388 ME."

It said the giant ruby exhibits a purplish-red color with yellowish undertones and a high-quality color grade.

"It also has moderate transparency, excellent vitreous luster, and remains in its natural state without any treatment or enhancement."

Pic courtesy Global New Light of Myanmar.