A rough ruby weighing more than 11,000 carats (2.2 kilograms) was discovered near the town of Mogok, in the upper Mandalay region, a central territory in a lucrative gemstone mining industry that has experienced intense fighting during the country’s civil war.
The ruby is slightly more than half the size of the 21,450-carat gem discovered in Mogok in 1996, which is often considered Myanmar's largest. However, it reportedly has superior colour, lustre, and transparency.
The state-run Global New Light of Myanmar stated that the ruby was discovered during the post-New Year period of 1388 Myanmar Era (ME), after the formation of the country's democratically elected government.
"Gemstones, both legitimately traded and smuggled, are a major source of revenue for Myanmar," writes Rudi Maxwell for ABC News.
"Human rights activists and organisations such as the British-based research and lobbying group Global Witness have urged jewellers to stop purchasing gems sourced from Myanmar, as the industry has served as a vital revenue stream for its military governments over several decades.
"A new, ostensibly civilian government was installed this year, but it followed elections described by human rights and opposition groups as a sham."
The publication described the stone as purplish-red with yellowish undertones, possessing a high colour grade, moderate transparency, and excellent vitreous lustre. It also noted that the ruby remains in its natural, untreated state.
Myanmar, which supplies 90 per cent of the world's rubies, has been in civil war since the 2021 military coup. The conflict has resulted in approximately 90,000 deaths and displaced more than 3.5 million people.
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