To understand the history of ruby, one must get familiar with the Burmese deposits. Myanmar (former Burma until 1992) is famous for its gem wealth, especially in the geologically complex, remote and fascinating Mogok Stone Tract in the Mandalay region.
Mogok is the name of a mining town, but when associated with gems, it relates to a relatively vast area where both secondary (e.g., alluvial) and primary deposits have been found for centuries.
The rubies found in the local sediments and white marbles made the term “Burmese ruby” synonymous with high-quality, especially in cut gems over 2-3 carats and in mineral specimens like the one depicted here (see above) and a new mining area discovered in the 1990s changed the understanding of that trade term, creating a new one “Classic Burma”.
To learn more about the history of ruby make sure you book your seat in the forthcoming training session at ruigalopim.com (almost fully booked).
In the image, an absolutely fantastic 10 cm long ruby on calcite from the Baw Baden mine, Mogok, Myanmar, courtesy of Bill Larson’s Collection, photo © master Robert Weldon.
Guest articles by Rui Galopim de Carvalho:
https://gem-spectrum.com/category/rui-galopim-de-carvalho
About the author:
Rui Galopim de Carvalho is a renowned independent Gem Education Consultant, author, luxury industry training expert and popular international lecturer on gemmology and on the history of gem materials. During his 30 year experience as a gemmologist, Rui has studied important collections in both public and private museums, notably the Portuguese Crown Jewels.
Founder of the popular Home Gemmology webinar series launched during the COVID-19 lockdown, Rui has a long history as a gemmology communicator, notably on social media where he is a popular figure.
Rui Galopim de Carvalho can be reached through his website:
