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Mogok Rubies: Their Beauty and History

I was born and raised in the country of Myanmar (Burma), which is also known for most of the finest quality rubies ever mined. Although natural untreated sapphires and  natural sapphire rubies come from the same mineral composition known as corundum, natural sapphires are more commonly found in Sri Lanka and Madagascar, where as natural rubies are rarely found there. About 90% of rubies in the world market come from Myanmar (Burma) and they are mined in Mogok, Valley of Rubies, which is north of Mandalay. The Myanmar term for ruby is “padamyar,” and the finest hue of ruby is referred to as “pigeon’s blood.”

mogok ruby ring

23.1ct Mogok Ruby

During the reign of King Pindale (1648-1661) an enormous ruby with great color and clarity was believed to have been discovered in Mogok by a villager named Nga Mauk, who the ruby was eventually named for. The ruby had a total weight of around 80 carats and was presented to the King.  The Nga Mauk ruby disappeared without a trace after the defeat and annexation of Burma by the British in 1885. The Nga Mauk ruby was believed to have subsequently turned up as the largest ruby on the British Royal crown.   In the article “which stones are substitutes for rubies,” the author, Mary Johnson, described how Burmese rubies are different from their counterparts.

“The best Burmese rubies are not only red from light absorption, but also luminesce red under white light. Most other red gems may have lovely hues, but will not luminesce. These include the very rare taaffeites and red diamonds. Opals and ammolite can achieve bright reds, but do not resemble ruby. Some alexandrites luminesce red, but they appear red-to-purple only in warm lighting.”

8.62ct Natural Untreated Ruby Ring

8.62ct cushion cut Burmese ruby at world-record setting price $425,000/carat

Burmese rubies have a long history and represent the finest quality rubies found on the world market. As a person who came from the country known as ruby land, it is sad to know that rubies from Burma are now being banned by the US government due to the civil rights violations of the Governmental Regime known as the Junta.

Natural Ruby on Custom Mounting Design

Beautiful Natural Ruby on Custom Mounting Design

Some images and information provided here

 

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