Among the rarest treasures of the gem world, nothing captivates attention like the deep translucent red glow of a fine ruby. For generations, these resplendent gems have symbolized passion, vitality, and wealth reserved only for royalty. Of the few sources where rubies have been unearthed over the centuries, two tiny regions have claimed eternal fame for producing history’s most magical rubies – Mozambique and Myanmar (Burma). Both bestow stunning red rubies burning with an internal fire and lifeforce unmatched by any other gem type.
While Mozambique has recently emerged among the world’s premier and original ruby stone suppliers, the legendary rubies of Burma still mesmerize collectors with their unparalleled purity of hue. When comparing rubies from these two prized locales side-by-side, striking differences in shade and depth of red become apparent. Like flickering flames, Burmese rubies emanate a sharper crimson rivalling the most perfect red rose. Their Mozambican counterparts display a darker and moodier garnet red, like gaze upon an endless ruby sunset. Which type of ruby casts the more bewitching glow comes down to personal attraction towards these two equally rare displays of nature’s splendor.
It’s time to hop on to the most painstaking and comprehensive analysis on Mozambique Ruby vs Burmese Ruby that will surely augment your understanding on these scintillating gemstones by leaps and bounds.
Table of Contents
Mozambique Ruby vs Burmese Ruby: Origin
Burmese Ruby: Burmese rubies come from Myanmar (formerly known as Burma). Myanmar has a long history of ruby mining, and Burmese rubies are highly prized for their intense red color, often described as “pigeon’s blood” red. Burmese rubies have been mined for centuries from regions such as the Mogok Valley and Mong Hsu.
Mozambique Ruby: Mozambique rubies, as the name suggests, come from Mozambique, a country in southeastern Africa. While ruby mining in Mozambique has been known for some time, significant commercial production of high-quality rubies began relatively recently. Mozambique rubies are gaining recognition for their rich color and clarity, often resembling the fine qualities of Burmese rubies.
Both types of rubies can vary in quality depending on factors such as color, clarity, and size, but they each have their own unique characteristics and allure.
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Mozambique Ruby vs Burmese Ruby: Color Differentiation
Rubies get their beautiful red color from the presence of the mineral chromium. However, not all rubies have the same shade of red. Two major types of rubies – those from Mozambique and those from Burma (Myanmar) – have slightly different colors.
Mozambique Rubies
- Tend to have a darker, richer red color.
- The red is often described as a deep garnet or purple-red.
- Mozambique rubies may exhibit some dark areas or zoning with the stone. This adds to their unique appearance.
- The rich red color is striking and desirable. High quality Mozambique rubies over 3 carats are rare.
Burmese Rubies
- Typically display a purer, brighter red tone.
- Descibed as a passionate, hot red or even a pink-red.
- Burmese rubies have an exceptional clarity and saturation of color.
- The vivid red glow seems to come from within the gemstone.
- Even smaller high-quality Burmese rubies over 1 carat are hard to source.
While both Mozambique and New Burma rubies display a beautiful red hue, Mozambique rubies tend to show a darker, richer garnet red compared to the passionate pink-red glow of top Burmese rubies. Evaluating the color difference comes down to personal preference for tone and depth of red. Both remain incredibly rare and valuable gemstone types.
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Mozambique Ruby vs Burmese Ruby: Availability
Burmese Rubies: Historically, Burmese rubies have been considered the pinnacle of quality in the ruby world, renowned for their vibrant red color and exceptional clarity. However, due to political unrest and trade restrictions in Myanmar (formerly Burma), the availability of Burmese rubies on the international market has fluctuated over the years. Export regulations and limited access to mines have contributed to challenges in the consistent supply of Burmese rubies. Despite these challenges, Burmese rubies still hold a prestigious status in the gemstone industry, commanding high prices when available.
Mozambique Rubies: Mozambique has emerged as a significant player in the ruby market, particularly in recent years. The discovery of high-quality ruby deposits in Mozambique has led to increased production and availability of Mozambique rubies. Mining operations in Mozambique have been able to produce rubies with color and clarity comparable to those from Burma, making them an attractive alternative for buyers seeking fine quality rubies. Additionally, Mozambique’s relatively stable political environment and supportive mining regulations have facilitated the extraction and export of rubies from the country.
Overall, while Burmese rubies may have a long-established reputation and allure, the ease of availability has been somewhat limited due to geopolitical factors. On the other hand, Mozambique rubies offer a promising alternative, with increasing availability and accessibility in the global market. As a result, Mozambique rubies have become sought after by gemstone enthusiasts and jewelry connoisseurs looking for high-quality rubies outside of the traditionally dominant Burmese market.
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Mozambique Ruby vs Burmese Ruby: Price & Value
Rubies from both Mozambique and Burma (Myanmar) can reach record-breaking prices based on their outstanding color and scarcity on the global market. But Burmese rubies still achieve higher valuations overall.
Pricing Factors:
Mozambique rubies – Prices range from $300 per carat for commercial quality to over $10,000 per carat for fine Mozambique rubies over 5 carats. Pieces over 10 carats are exceptionally rare and valuable.
Burmese rubies – Tend to achieve Burmese rubies higher valuations starting from $500 per carat for smaller commercial-grade stones up to over $50,000 per carat for prime lots over 5 carats. Burmese rubies over 10 carats can fetch over $1 million per carat at fine jewelry auctions.
While top Mozambique rubies can reach 5-figures per carat, exceptional Old Burma rubies still achieve the highest per-carat prices of any ruby variety currently on the market.
Value Differences:
Mozambique: Valued for their rich garnet-red tone and sound market value growth. Commercial to mid-range quality rubies are more available compared to Burmese rubies.
Burma: The most sought-after and scarce rubies in the world. Burmese rubies under 5 carats with excellent color and clarity fetch higher valuations than similar Mozambique rubies. Prime lots over 5 carats are exceptionally rare.
Both Mozambique and Burmese rubies are projected to appreciate in value over the next decade due to high demand and very limited supply. Burmese rubies still represent the pinnacle for collectors and investors given their unparalleled color saturation and extreme rarity.
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Mozambique Ruby vs Burmese Ruby: Astrological Benefits
In various cultures, including some Eastern belief systems, gemstones such as rubies are associated with astrological benefits and spiritual significance. Here’s a comparison of the perceived astrological benefits of Mozambique Rubies versus Burmese Rubies:
Burmese Ruby: Burmese rubies have a long-standing reputation for their astrological significance and are often associated with the Sun, one of the nine celestial bodies in Vedic astrology. In Vedic astrology, the Sun represents vitality, power, authority, and leadership. Therefore, wearing a Burmese ruby is believed to enhance one’s energy, confidence, and ability to lead. It is also thought to promote courage, success, and prosperity. Additionally, Burmese rubies are sometimes associated with the heart chakra, symbolizing love, passion, and emotional well-being.
Mozambique Ruby: While Mozambique rubies may not have the same historical astrological associations as Burmese rubies, they are still valued for their perceived metaphysical properties. Like all rubies, Mozambique rubies are believed to stimulate the root chakra, which is associated with grounding, vitality, and survival instincts. Therefore, wearing a Mozambique ruby is thought to promote physical health, energy, and vitality. Additionally, rubies in general are believed to attract wealth and success, making Mozambique rubies potentially beneficial for enhancing abundance and prosperity.
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