Mogok: Land of Jewels

Mogok, in Burma (Myanmar), has been renowned since ancient times as "The Land Of Jewels." Mogok is most well-known for their rubies, with 90% of the red gemstone originating there. Local legend details the origin and discovery of rubies in the region.

In a time predating Buddha, the northern part of Burma was inhabited by only wild animals. One day a big eagle spotted a huge portion of bright red meat in the valley of Mogok. He tried and tried to pick it up, but his claws could not penetrate the surface of what he thought was a fine meal. Then, the bird finally understood -- it was not meat at all, but a sacred stone. This stone was a brilliant red color because it was made from the fire and blood of the land. The stone was the first ruby on earth.

What makes a ruby from Mogok finer than any other? Experts say it's due to two factors. First, a high color intensity. Mogok rubies have a combination of a slightly bluish red body color and a red fluorescent emission. Second, they have a quality called "silk" -- tiny needle inclusions which scatter light onto otherwise extinct facets. Just the right amount of "silk" provides the gemstones with a lush, velvety texture.

Though Mogok is most identified with rubies and sapphires, many semi-precious stones also come from the city -- including jade, garnet, moonstone, lapis lazuli, peridot, and chrysoberyl.

If you are looking for store where you can find jade jewelry and carvings of all these symbols and more -- please visit Burma Ruby MoMo, in the heart of Brooklyn! Click here for directions.