Discovery of Enormous 11,000-Carat Ruby: A Glimmer of Hope Amidst Turmoil

A colossal ruby has been discovered in Burma, earning the distinction of being the second-largest ever found in the tumultuous country.

This remarkable gemstone tips the scales at approximately 11,000 carats, equivalent to about 4.8 pounds. It was unearthed near Mogok, a region in Mandalay known as the heart of Burma’s gem industry. This area has also been enduring persistent conflict. The Associated Press, referencing state media, shared this development.

The discovery of the ruby occurred in mid-April, just after the country celebrated its traditional New Year festivities.

On May 7, 2026, Burma’s newly found ruby was showcased at the president’s office in Naypyitaw. (Myanmar Military True News Information Team/AP)

Although this ruby is approximately half the size of the monumental 21,450-carat ruby found in 1996, experts suggest its superior quality might make it even more valuable, according to reports from the outlet.

It has a purplish-red color with slight yellow tones, moderate transparency and a highly reflective surface.

Burmese President Min Aung Hlaing and his cabinet have already inspected the stone in the country’s capital of Naypyidaw.

Burmese officials inspect a newly discovered ruby at the president’s office in Naypyidaw on May 7, 2026. (Myanmar Military True News Information Team/AP)

Burma produces up to 90% of the world’s rubies, mostly from Mogok and nearby Mong Hsu. 

The gem trade — both legal and illegal — is a major source of income in the country.

However, rights groups, including Global Witness, have long urged jewelers to avoid buying Burmese gemstones, saying the trade helps fund the country’s military governments, according to The Associated Press.

This photo taken on May 16, 2019, shows miners working in a ruby mine in Mogok, north of Mandalay. (Ye Aung Thu/AFP via Getty Images)

Gem mining also finances ethnic armed groups fighting for autonomy, contributing to Burma’s long-running conflicts.

The mining regions remain unstable. 

Mogok was seized in July 2024 by the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), an ethnic armed group. Control later returned to the military under a ceasefire deal brokered by China late last year.