Myanmarminers have discovered a rare 11,000-carat ruby, which weighs nearly five pounds.The ruby is estimated to be the second heaviest ever discovered in the country, weighing in at 4.8 pounds - the same size as a toy breed such as a Chihuahua. The ruby was found near Mogok, a town in the upper Mandalay region of the SoutheastAsiannation.The gemstone was recently inspected in the president of Myanmar’s office.

The country, formerly named Burma, bordersIndia, Bangladesh,China, Laos and Thailand and has recently been involved in a civil war. The ruby was unearthed last month, in April, soon after the traditional New Year festival, according to a report from the state-run Global New Light of Myanmar. It can be described as having a rich purplish-red colour with subtle yellow undertones. The gem is moderately transparent and has a highly reflective surface.

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While the newly discovered ruby weighs around half as much as a 21,450-carat stone found in 1996 – which weighed 4.29 kilograms or 9.45 pounds – experts believe the latest find is more valuable because of its superior colour and quality.

Myanmar is responsible for producing around 90% of the world’s rubies, most of which come from the regions of Mogok, sometimes known as ‘Ruby Land’, and Mong Hsu and relies on its gemstones as a major source of revenue for the country.

Nevertheless, certain human rights organisations like lobbying group Global Witness have urged jewellers not to buy gemstones from the country, claiming that the money has been a key revenue stream for the nation’s military government for years.

Although a new seemingly civilian government came into power this year, they were soon described as a sham by opposition groups. Following elections, military leader, President Min Aung Hlaing, returned to power.

The UK Government website currently advises against all travel to parts of Myanmar including the Chin, Kachin, Kayah, Kayin, Mon and Rakhine States as well as the Sagaing and Magway regions.

They also discourage any travelling to the Tanintharyi Region, excluding Myeik township, and the archipelago and townships south of Tanintharyi township.

Source: Daily Express :: World Feed