Fox World reports: A massive ruby unearthed in Burma is being hailed as the second-largest ever discovered in the conflict-ridden country.The ruby weighs about 11,000 carats — about 4.8 pounds — and was unearthed near Mogok in the Mandalay region, the center of Burma’s gem industry and an area affected by ongoing conflict, according to The Associated Press, citing state media. The gem trade — both legal and illegal — is a major source of income in the country.However, rights groups, including Global Witness, have long urged jewelers to avoid buying Burmese gemstones, saying the trade helps fund the country's military governments, according to The Associated Press.RARE 10-CARAT BLUE DIAMOND AMONG $100M WORTH OF GEMS GOING UP FOR AUCTIONGem mining also finances ethnic armed groups fighting for autonomy, contributing to Burma’s long-running conflicts.The mining regions remain unstable.
Mogok was seized in July 2024 by the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), an ethnic armed group. Control later returned to the military under a ceasefire deal brokered by China late last year.The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Originally reported by Fox World. This story has been edited and re-presented by BRIC Team.
