Massive 11,000-carat ruby believed to be second-largest ever found in conflict-ridden country

close Video Fox News Flash top headlines for May 10 Fox News Flash top headlines are here. Check out what's clicking on FoxNews.com. NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! Hören Sie sich diesen Artikel an 2 Min 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 stone was found in mid-April, shortly after the country’s traditional New Year celebrations. MAN STUMBLES ONTO RARE DIAMOND TREASURE DURING ARKANSAS PARK TRIP WITH FAMILY: 'KNEW IT WAS DIFFERENT' Burma's newly discovered ruby is displayed at the president's office in Naypyitaw on May 7, 2026. (Myanmar Military True News Information Team/AP) Although it is roughly half the size of a 21,450-carat ruby discovered in 1996, experts say the new find could be more valuable because of its higher quality, the outlet reported. It has a purplish-red color with slight yellow tones, moderate transparency and a highly reflective surface. Burmese President Min Aung Hlaing and his cabinet have already inspected the stone in the country's capital of Naypyidaw. ONCE-IN-A-CENTURY TREASURES DATING BACK 4,500 YEARS UNEARTHED IN LEGENDARY CITY Burmese officials inspect a newly discovered ruby at the president's office in Naypyidaw on May 7, 2026. (Myanmar Military True News Information Team/AP) Burma produces up to 90% of the world’s rubies, mostly from Mogok and nearby Mong Hsu. 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 AUCTION This photo taken on May 16, 2019, shows miners working in a ruby mine in Mogok, north of Mandalay. (Ye Aung Thu/AFP via Getty Images) Gem mining also finances ethnic armed groups fighting for autonomy, contributing to Burma’s long-running conflicts. 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. Sophia Compton is a Writer at Fox News Digital. Sophia was previously a business reporter covering finance, energy and tourism and has experience as a TV news producer. She graduated with a journalism degree in 2021 from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Story tips can be sent to sophia.compton@fox.com. Fox News' Antisemitism Exposed" newsletter brings you stories on the rising anti-Jewish prejudice across the U.S. and the world." By entering your email and clicking the Subscribe button, you agree to the Fox News and Terms of Use, and agree to receive content and promotional communications from Fox News. You understand that you can opt-out at any time. You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter!