Burmese Gems - Overview
Introduction to Myanmar's legendary gem production from Mogok and other regions, including ethical considerations.
burma myanmar mogok ethical-sourcing
Introduction
Myanmar (Burma) produces some of the world's finest gems, particularly ruby.
The Mogok Stone Tract has been mined for over 1,000 years and remains the
benchmark for ruby quality. "Pigeon blood" originally described only Mogok
rubies.
Beyond ruby, Burma produces exceptional sapphires, spinels, and jadeite.
The Mogok Stone Tract
History of the legendary gem region:
Ancient History
- Mining documented for over 1,000 years
- Controlled by Burmese royalty
- "Valley of Rubies" reputation
- Source of world's most famous rubies
Geography
- Location: Mandalay Region, central Myanmar
- Elevation: ~1,200 metres (cool climate)
- Geology: Marble-hosted gem deposits
- Character: Multiple gem types from single region
Other Burmese Sources
Gems from beyond Mogok:
Mong Hsu
- Location: Shan State
- Discovery: Major production 1990s
- Product: Ruby (requires heat treatment)
- Volume: Significant market supply
Kachin State
- Product: World's finest jadeite
- Location: Hpakant region
- Market: Dominates Asian jade trade
- Volume: Major world production
Other Regions
- Peridot from Pyaung-Gaung
- Amber from Kachin (significant)
- Various gems across multiple regions