About Mogok Burma Ruby
Ruby is the gem-quality variety of red corundum; all other colors of corundum are known as sapphire. The name 'corundum' originates from the ancient Sanskrit word 'kuruvindam'. While sapphire is considered very rare, red ruby is even rarer. Corundum is the second hardest natural substance known to man, ranking 9 on
Mohs scale of hardness, falling short just below diamond. Rubies can range in color from pinkish-red to orangey-red, and purplish or bluish-red to brownish-red, depending on chromium and iron impurities within the stone. Orangey-red and brownish-red is often found in material from Africa such as
Madagascar ruby, while pink-red and purplish red is more commonly seen in ruby from Asian sources, including Thailand and Myanmar (Burma). Most agree that good quality rubies should have a medium to medium-dark tone, with little to no orange or brown tones. As a general rule, the purer the red, the better.
This is why Burmese ruby is considered as the finest in the world, particularly ruby mined from the Mogok region of Burma, which exhibits the exceptional "pigeon's-blood" red color. The production of rubies from Mogok mines has come to a slow-down, which makes owning a Mogok ruby that much more special. Red ruby mined from the Mong Hsu region of Burma are also very good quality, but are known to exhibit slightly bluish or purplish hues which require enhancement through routine heat treatment in order to improve the color and clarity of the gems to make them saleable. Today, other sources for rubies include Afghanistan, Australia, Brazil, Cambodia, India, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Nepal, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, the United States and Vietnam. Mogok Burmese Rubies are indeed the finest in the world and is renowned as the world's most important fine ruby source.