BANGKOK, Thailand: Miners in Myanmar have found a very large and rare ruby. It is believed to be the second-largest ruby ever found in the country, according to state media on May 15.

The ruby weighs about 11,000 carats (around 2.2 kilograms) and was discovered near Mogok in the Mandalay region, which is famous for gem mining. This area has also seen heavy fighting during the country's ongoing civil war. The stone was found in mid-April, shortly after the New Year festival.

Although it is about half the size of a larger ruby found in 1996, experts say this new one may be more valuable because of its better color and quality. It has a purplish-red color with slight yellow tones, good clarity, and a shiny surface.

Myanmar produces up to 90 percent of the world's rubies, mainly from Mogok and Mong Hsu. The gem trade is a major source of income, both legally and through smuggling. However, human rights groups have asked jewelers not to buy Myanmar gems because the money has supported military governments for many years.

A new civilian-style government was formed this year after elections widely criticized as unfair. The vote kept President Min Aung Hlaing, who led the 2021 military takeover, in power. He and his team recently inspected the ruby in the capital, Naypyitaw.

Gem mining also helps fund ethnic armed groups fighting the government, which has added to long-running conflicts. The mining areas remain unstable. Mogok was taken over in July 2024 by the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), but control later returned to the army after a ceasefire agreement helped by China.