The Rubies of Burma: A Review of the Mogok Stone Tract

For centuries, the Mogok Stone Tract of Burma has provided the world with i ts finest rubies. The mining district is situated about 700 k m north of the capital city of Rangoon, with the rubies found principally in alluvial deposits weathering out of a crystalline limestone or marble. This article reviews the history of this famous locality, the geology-of the area, and the mining methods that have predominated. Also covered is the gemology of these stones, including those inclusions that are characteristic of Burmese origin, and a discussion of famous rubies from Mogok.