Ruby Mining and Trade

Rubies are part of the corundum family of gemstones, that are known for their unmissable red colour. Ruby red there have come to be distinguished from other red gemstone types, which are more abundant in nature, owing to their characteristic blood-red hues. Whilst rubies are part of the corundum family of gemstones, like sapphires; they differ in their mineral character with respect to the presence (or absence) of certain trace elements. The key point is being that the trace mineral chromium is immensely rare in corundum forming regions in the Earth, and critically, when it comes to the forming of rubies, the importance of chromium trace element combining with the aluminium oxide in the right way, for the development of rubies. For rubies to develop that manifest their appealing red hues, is it is important that other trace elements like iron and zinc do not enter the mix. This is challenging in nature, and only a handful of countries in the world have this natural feature, and in turn, has allowed them to develop a strong position in the market for this variant of the corundum gemstone. So what are these ruby producing countries and what makes their rubies different or better than others? We shall find out.

What Sets these Ruby Producing Countries Apart

Since rubies or ruby-like corundum gemstones are found in parts of the world where its main counterpart, sapphires exist, that contain an admixture of various trace elements, depending on the colour of the corundum stone. This has led to a certain number of countries establishing a reputation for being the origins of authentic red coloured rubies, in contrast to other countries whose rubies, which exists as weaker reflections of the more authentic ones. As noted rubies are corundum based gemstones, and corundum gemstones, notable sapphires are found in a number of countries across the world. Whilst quality gemstones from this family are limited to a few countries, they are nonetheless abundant in contrast to rubies. However making things a bit more complicated, when it comes to factors that determine quality in rubies are those which command a strong red hue, which is even rarer. For rubies found in a number of corundum gemstone producing countries tend to be contaminated with other secondary trace elements, that give rubies an undesirable light orange to a bluish or purplish hue. Owing to this the most desirable ruby types are those which are purer in their red hue. And it these darker, or blood-red ruby stones that are the most sought after in the trade for gemstones, as competitor offerings from other countries command a lower demand. Here are a number of countries that are noted for their quality rubies.

Rubies From Myanmar (Burma)

Myanmar is arguably the world’s ruby capital with varying sources estimating that nearly 90 per cent of the world’s rubies are being mined from this South-East Asian nation. In addition to producing the highest percentage of rubies, Myanmar is also the home to the best quality rubies on the market: These ruby stones are known for their rich red hues, which are virtually unmatched in the world market until recent times, with rising in popularity of rubies from parts of Africa.

The Popularity of Mogok Rubies

When it comes to top ruby mining regions, much of Myanmar’s activities take place in the nation’s mountainous region, with the Mogok area being among the top sources of prized rubies. The large ruby deposits are matched by quality rubies that are prominent in terms of size (carat), with some mammoth rubies being sourced from this region. The place has developed such a reputation that rubies from this region have gotten the title of Mogok rubies.

Bad Governance And the Decline in Supply of Burmese Rubies

The supply of rubies from Myanmar have been unstable over the decades due to the enduring political instability in that part of the world. Myanmar’s long-ruling military government controls much of the nation’s ruby and other gemstones wealth, which has exerted its control over the trade in cut and uncut gemstones through state-owned enterprises. Since rubies are among the most important exports from Myanmar, the State’s interference in a highly managed economy was understandable, but given its failures in governance and human rights, it has come under heavy pressure from Western governments, with companies involved in the enterprise being subjected to heavy sanctions. In shrinkage in the supply of rubies and other gemstones from this region have gone down owing to political instability and the heavy-handed rule of the military government has encouraged competition from parts of Africa. In addition to the various human rights concerns, which have dissuaded countries and companies from trading with this nation. Which has weakened the industry from within, as sanctions bite into sales and profits. Official exports of rubies from Myanmar over the decades was considerable, amounting to millions of carats, which has fallen with sanctions. As jewellery makers in the West distance themselves from the country/government owing to its bad practices, however, there has been a rise in undocumented exports. So what is interesting is that in the market for precious stones, the strength of the resource and expansiveness of the mining operations are not sufficient, for equal significance must be given to the role importance of trade, and underlying it strong diplomatic relations, notably with the West.

Rubies from Mozambique

Mozambique is a country in East Africa that borders the Indian Ocean and is known for its strong gemstone industry that is built on rich reserves of natural gemstones. And is a new entrant in the ruby industry, with ruby mining only starting sometime in the 21st century. In addition to its highly saturated ruby deposits, it is also known for its morganite and aquamarine sources. When it comes to rubies, Mozambique has built a strong reputation for corundum stones with rich red hues, with its popularity being marked by one of the main countries that supply these distinct red coloured rubies outside of Myanmar. Mozambique is also known for its star rubies which have begun to command distinct appeal, which is viewed as specials stones that command a distinct appeal, in addition to the African nation has built up something of a reputation for producing larger carat stones, including those over 2 carats. This has given rubies from this part of the world an advantage, despite being viewed as less valuable in contrast to Burmese rubies.

Conflict and Political Instability in the Ruby Trade

Making matters a little bit complicated is the situation on the ground. Mozambique like most Sub Saharan African countries is raked by internal conflicts that are local and geopolitical in nature. The Northern part of the country has been a hotbed of political instability and extremism, with terrorist organizations and other militias vying for control for the Cabo Delgado region, known for its rich gas reserves and ruby deposits. Mozambique like many African countries is resource-rich but has weak institutions, and the lack of effective governance means that insurgents and other non-state actors add to the instability, scaring away foreign investors. Without funding and the right infrastructure other industries, like the gemstone business suffer.

Ruby Mining in Madagascar

The large island of Madagascar which is located off the East Coast of Africa, boarder the other major African ruby producer, Mozambique, with its coast to the West. Rubies from this East African, akin to Mozambique, whose geological character it parallels in many respects, being a part of the Mozambique belt, that strengthen through much of East Africa, and the gemstones from this region are noted for their high levels of iron. The ruby deposits in Madagascar is dispersed throughout the country, and the lack of infrastructure connecting the gemstone mining regions, which means that transport and moving heavy machinery is difficult, resulting in rubies being mined in more traditional ways, such as collecting ruby bearing gravel from dedicated pits, which are then separated from the rest, then washed. Owing to the lack of proper infrastructure and oversight once the mining is complete, has raised questions on potential environmental impacts arising from ruby and gemstone mining from Madagascar. A problem that is made worse by the poor legal and institutional environment that is typical to many countries in the region, which is characterised by smuggling, and other unethical practices. Which affect the legal supply of rubies and other gemstones to world markets.

Ruby Mining from Cambodia

Cambodia is a country known for its chaotic political history. Given its historical instability and weak institutions its ruby deposits, like many of its other resources that have been exploited for centuries. The locals are known to refer to ruby stones “ksath rung” or “hard flesh,”: a term that applies to both main types of corundum gemstones. The main source of rubies in the South East Asian nation is from the region known as Pailin in the Western part of the country, with the volcanic hills and the are surrounding Phnum O Tang and Phnum Ko Ngoap being major sources. An area that is abundant in river beds where secondary corundum deposits are to be found. Prospectors in search of gemstone examine a potential area and then carry out gemstone searches through river gravel that carry these gemstones. Many of the rubies that come from Cambodia, like its neighbour Thailand is subject to heat treatment. A common practice that is used to improve the natural colour of the red stones.

Ruby Mining in Thailand

Thailand is a large country with a strong economy, known for its rich agricultural produce. And it is also another key producer of gemstones, notably sapphires and to a lesser extent rubies. Its rich resource strength has driven its strong export performance in corundum gemstones. The origins of Thai rubies goes back hundreds of years, with the first discovery being traced to the 1400s, with Chinese explorers being the first to find them. Much of the rubies from Thailand come from the Bo Rai District in the Trat Province, whilst its best days were in the decades past, Thailand has remained competitive n the ruby market. Speaking of the trade aspect of the equation, Thailand is unfortunately also hosting gemstone smugglers, who illegally trade rubies from and to neighbouring countries. In addition to an underground industry that deals in fake and/or diffused treated gemstones, which are not authentic as their heated counterparts. The nation’s capital, Bangkok is particularly notorious for its ruby scammers, which requires expert care, due diligence, and request of certification when engaging ruby sellers from this region.