Chasing Burmese Rubies

gem_head
Oct 13, 2019
4 min read

Updated: Oct 24, 2019

Myanmar is a gorgeous country-rich in natural resources, flora and fauna, places of worship, and lovely people. I’ve just returned from a week of traveling through Myanmar and excited to share my adventures at gem markets, chasing Rubies.

Rubies are perhaps the most widely known gem stone, even those uninterested in gems and jewels recognize Ruby as the “red gemstone”. Rubies are mentioned in many historical records including the bible, and are tied to many ancient legends especially in Hindu and Chinese cultures. Although the name ruby comes from the Latin word ruber, which means red; in the ancient language of Sanskrit, ruby is called ratnaraj, or “king of precious stones.”

What makes the Ruby the king of all precious stones you might wonder-it’s non other than its color. The color “Red” is interpreted and associated with many emotions and beliefs in different cultures. It is a symbol of power, prosperity, love and passion; in some cultures anger and fury. In any case, naturally occurring red colored gemstones are rather rare in comparison to other colors. Rubies, display some of the finest red body color-thus considered, precious, and beautiful.

Many don’t realize the Ruby and Sapphire both belong to the same mineral family-Corundum. Corundum occurs in all the colors of the rainbow. The color of the crystal is dependent on its chemical composition. When the crystal is colored by iron and titanium trace elements, the crystal gets its blue color. The red in ruby is a result of chromium trace elements.

One might wonder why of all rubies, the Burmese Ruby is so special. Again, it’s because of its color. Burmese rubies (especially those of the Mogok mines) are said to display a vivid intense red color. The most desired color for a ruby in the market is this intense, vivid red, referred to as Pigeon Blood red. According to the GIA, what gives Burmese rubies this color is its formation. Burmese Ruby originates in marble. And the low iron contents in marble causes intense fluorescence in the gemstone. With light interaction, the Burma Ruby glows like non other. There are also fine quality Mozambique, Thai and Vietnamese rubies, however historically, rubies from Burma's Mogok mines were regarded the best, most sought after Rubies. A secondary reason was the exceptional hardness of rubies. Although Corundum minerals (rubies and sapphires) aren't as hard as diamonds, they are among the hardest colored stones with a hardness level of 9 on the moh's scale of hardness. Spinel, and Rubilite Tourmaline that may seem similar to ruby in color, rank lower in hardness, between 7 - 8.

According to “Ruby & Sapphire: A Gemologist’s Guide” by Richard Hughes, most of the alluvial deposits in the Mogok region are mined out, so there’s very little coming out of Myanmar right now. Out of which, even less of high quality. According to gemologist Richard Wise’s “Secrets of the Gem Trade" about 85 percent of the ruby market today is made up of Mozambican goods. Although Rubies from Myanmar were once banned in the US and other countries in the west, Burmese rubies are once again making its way to the West.

During my visit to Myanmar last week, I was merely traveling for tourism purposes, I didn’t attend any gem auctions, rather visited a few gem markets and retail operations in Yangon. Typically it is recommended that Ruby shopping be done in Mandalay (city closer to the mines), however I was unfortunately in Mandalay only one day, on a Sunday and the markets were closed. So, I visited retail shops and the markets in Yangon. The places I visited didn’t have the best quality rubies-I suppose the best quality rubies that fetch high prices are auctioned for export. Rubies that remain aren’t exactly the best quality, however if you carefully inspect and select, you could find a decent quality ruby. The prices at markets and retail shops are not competitive, it’s also unrealistic to expect wholesale prices at retail level. Burmese rubies are not inexpensive. If you bargain perhaps, you may be able to get a good deal. When selecting and shopping for rubies in Myanmar, it’s important to go to a reputed store, and if possible with someone that is qualified to sort through. I took my loop with me to inspect stones. Please also bear in mind the colored gems in Myanmar are mostly hand cut, therefore the cut finish isn’t always the best. All these factors must me considered if buying a Burmese Ruby in Myanmar. I ended up buying a pair of Ruby stud earrings of 0.98 carats, and will have them graded at GIA in New York, just for my records.

Overall, I absolutely enjoyed my adventures chasing Burmese Rubies in Myanmar - it is a gorgeous country to visit, not just for the gemstones. Yangon, Bagan, Mandalay and Heho are must see cities!