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Burma rubies are high priced gemstones from the Mogok Valley known for their vibrant "pigeon's blood" red color, which is a vivid red with a purplish tint. They are valued for their beauty, intense color, and durability, often exhibiting a desirable fluorescence and containing unique inclusions like silk rutile needles and calcite rhombs. Due to their rarity and quality, they are a significant investment, though their trade also raises ethical concerns and is subject to restrictions.

Physical and visual characteristics

Color: The most famous quality is the "pigeon's blood" red, a vivid red with a purplish tint, described as having high saturation. The red hue is caused by chromium replacing aluminum in the crystal structure.

Inclusions: Natural Burmese rubies often contain microscopic inclusions that can serve as a fingerprint of their origin. Common inclusions include:

Rutile needles: Fine, needle-like inclusions of rutile, which can cause a silky appearance.

Calcite rhombs: Inclusions of the mineral calcite, which are characteristic of Burmese rubies found in marble host rock.

Negative crystals and sphalerite: Other common inclusions.

Fluorescence: They exhibit strong fluorescence to ultraviolet light, which can make them appear even more vibrant in sunlight.

Hardness: Ruby is the second-hardest mineral after diamond, with a Mohs hardness of 9.0, making it a very durable stone for jewelry.

Origin and rarity

Primary source: The Mogok Valley in Upper Myanmar is the primary source and is often called the "valley of rubies".

Rarity and value: Burmese rubies are considered among the highest quality and are rare, making them very valuable and a wise investment. The finest stones command extremely high prices.

Ethical considerations

Human rights concerns: The extraction of Burmese rubies has been linked to human rights abuses, harsh working conditions, and environmental damage.

Trade restrictions: Due to these ethical concerns, some countries have embargoes or restrictions on the trade of Burmese rubies.

Ethical alternatives: Consumers concerned about ethical sourcing may choose alternatives like synthetic rubies or stones from other ethical sources such as Madagascar, Mozambique, or Vietnam.