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Myanmar Seizes 11,000-Carat Ruby, Beats Record Gem

5/9/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Ministry of Information announced an 11,000-carat ruby was discovered in Mogok and placed under government custody.
Officials described it as purplish-red with yellowish undertones and gave it a high-quality colour grade.
They said the stone likely surpasses the 1996 21,450-carat ruby in value because of better colour, clarity and quality.
President Min Aung Hlaing examined the gem in his office, featured on the front page of the Global New Light.

History

Historical Context

In 1935 the British Museum bought the 300-carat “Star of Burma” for £150,000, showcasing the long-standing value of Burmese rubies. Since the 1988 economic liberalisation, Chinese-Burmese entrepreneurs have come to dominate the gem sector, turning Myanmar into the world’s ruby hub. The Ministry of Information’s 2024 announcement of an 11,000-carat ruby inspected by President Min Aung Hlaing underscores that legacy.

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Story summary

Ministry of Information announced an 11,000-carat ruby was discovered in Mogok and placed under government custody.
Officials described it as purplish-red with yellowish undertones and gave it a high-quality colour grade.
They said the stone likely surpasses the 1996 21,450-carat ruby in value because of better colour, clarity and quality.
President Min Aung Hlaing examined the gem in his office, featured on the front page of the Global New Light.

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