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Know More About Burma Ruby
Burma Rubies are more than just beautiful gems. They’re famous in the world of luxury auctions. They’ve broken records at places like Sotheby’s and Christie’s, sometimes selling for more than diamonds. These rubies have a rich history, once treasured by royals and empires, and their Burmese origin was seen as a mark of top quality.
Unlike rubies from other regions, Burma Rubies naturally glow under UV light due to high chromium content and low iron levels. This intense red fluorescence, even in daylight, gives them a “lit from within” appearance that's nearly impossible to replicate. Found deep in metamorphic marble, they’re not just rare, they’re geological anomalies that science continues to study.
Burma Rubies have long been treasured by royalty, once reserved exclusively for kings and emperors across Asia. These rubies were so valued in ancient times that warriors believed they granted invincibility in battle. Today, their legacy continues as they dominate prestigious auctions and are featured in some of the world's most iconic jewelry collections.
Core Attributes of Burma Ruby
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Chemical Formula | Al₂O₃ (Aluminum Oxide with Chromium as the coloring agent) |
| Colors | Vivid red to deep red, often described as “Pigeon’s Blood” |
| Transparency | Transparent to translucent |
| Refractive Index | 1.762 – 1.770 |
| Birefringence | 0.008 – 0.010 |
| Specific Gravity | 3.97 – 4.05 |
| Melting Point | Approximately 2,050°C (3,722°F) |
| Heat Resistance | Excellent, can withstand high temperatures without damage |
| Mohs Hardness | 9 |
Burma Ruby Value
Burma rubies are among the benchmark for excellence in the gem world. Their worth comes mainly from their vivid red color, especially the “Pigeon Blood” shade, which is pure red with a soft bluish glow. This natural color is hard to find and even harder to fake. What sets them apart isn’t only the vivid red color, but the inner glow they carry. This unique light effect, caused by microscopic inclusions and natural fluorescence, gives them unmatched appeal.
What adds more to their value is their origin. Burmese rubies come from Myanmar’s legendary Mogok mines, known for producing rubies with unmatched clarity and depth. Clean, untreated rubies from this region can sell for more per carat than diamonds, especially if they have no enhancements.
While prices can begin at a few hundred dollars for commercial-grade stones, high-quality untreated Burma rubies can sell for thousands or even tens of thousands per carat at auctions and private sales.
Burma Ruby Origins
Burma now known as Myanmar, is home to some of the world’s most legendary rubies. The finest specimens come from the Mogok Valley, a region often called the “Valley of Rubies.” Rubies from this area have been prized for centuries for their intense, vivid red color, especially the highly coveted ""pigeon’s blood"" hue. These gemstones are naturally rich in chromium, giving them a glowing inner fire that sets them apart from rubies mined elsewhere.
Historically, Burmese rubies were treasured by royalty and featured in crown jewels across Asia and Europe. The mines of Mogok have been active since at least the 6th century, with rubies often extracted by hand from alluvial deposits. Due to limited supply and increasing global demand, authentic Burma rubies are now considered extremely valuable, often selling for premium prices at auction houses worldwide.
Burma Ruby Colors
Burmese rubies are treasured for their rich and varied red tones. The most prized shade is called Pigeon’s Blood red, a vivid, pure red with a slight bluish tint that gives the stone a glowing look. This color often sells for more than diamonds of the same size.
Other popular shades include Intense Red, Winza Red, and Royal Red, each offering its own depth and brilliance. You'll also find rubies in Vibrant Red and Pink-Red, showcasing softer or brighter tones depending on their formation.Though red remains the signature, Burmese rubies sometimes surprise with purple or pinkish shade.
What makes Burma ruby colors unique is their natural intensity. Unlike rubies from other regions, they usually don’t need heat treatment to look bright. Their color comes from the high chromium content in the earth of Burma’s Mogok region, which also causes a slight natural fluorescence, giving the ruby an inner fire that seems to shine from within.
Burma Ruby Clarity
Clarity in Burma rubies isn’t just about being clean or flawless, it's about personality. These rubies often carry microscopic fingerprints from the Earth like silk-like rutile threads, or crystal inclusions that tell the story of the gem’s volcanic birth. Far from imperfections, these natural marks act like geological time stamps, proving authenticity and origin.
Interestingly, in high-quality Burma rubies, this internal silk is so fine and evenly spread that it becomes a desirable trait rather than a defect. In some cases, expert cutters position these inclusions to reflect light in a way that intensifies the ruby’s color. Rather than chasing flawless clarity, gem collectors seek harmony where inclusions exist, but never overpower the ruby’s rich, internal fire.
Burma Ruby Prices Per Carat
Burma rubies are among the most valuable gemstones in the world. These rubies often command premium prices, especially when untreated and certified. The price per carat varies greatly depending on several factors, including color intensity, clarity, treatment status,certification, and size. Below is a breakdown of typical price ranges:
| Treatment | Quality Grade | Price Per Carat (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Untreated | Exceptional (Pigeon Blood) | $15,000 – $100,000+ |
| Untreated | Fine Quality | $8,000 – $15,000 |
| Heat-Treated | Good Quality | $2,000 – $6,000 |
| Heat-Treated | Commercial Grade | $1,000 – $2,000 |