USD
EUR
AUD
GBP
INR
Ruby, one of the beautiful gemstones, is popularly called the “King of Gems” due to its historical significance, vibrant color, rarity, and durability. If your gem astrologer suggests you wear a natural Old Burma Ruby, confusion may arise about whether Old and New Burma Rubies come from different mining locations.
This blog is here to clear all your doubts by explaining the differences between Old and New Burma Ruby and how this powerful gemstone supports your life’s growth, abundance, and emotional balance. If you often feel lonely or stressed and success seems distant, learn the New Moon ritual to attract prosperity.
Form centuries, rubies have been prized by kings, queens, and emperors and are considered symbols of power, passion, and prosperity. In this modern time, people wear this gemstone for luxury, love, and loyalty. More than this, it represents vitality, energy, fame, and protection. In Vedic astrology, the ruby is linked to the Sun, the source of life and energy that lights up every being. This is the reason why, when you visit any gem astrologer, they often listen carefully to your concerns especially if your problem relates to recognition, confidence, or authority and they advise wearing a ruby gemstone. But there is always one important condition: the ruby must be natural, untreated, and preferably an old Burmese ruby. Here begins the confusion about what “Old Burma Ruby” means, and why this name alone commands such respect and price in the gem world.
The Legacy of Burmese Rubies
The phrase “Old Burma Ruby” originates from rubies mined in the legendary Mogok region of Myanmar (formerly Burma). The Mogok Valley, nestled deep in northern Myanmar, has for centuries been regarded as the most important and ancient source of rubies. Historically, this region produced stones of unmatched quality, famous for their pure, vibrant red hue with a subtle bluish undertone known as “pigeon’s blood” red. This color is considered the perfect shade of ruby, neither too dark nor too light, glowing in both daylight and candlelight with an inner fire that seems to come from the gem’s core.
During the medieval and Mughal periods, Burmese rubies adorned the crowns, armor, and jewelry of rulers across Asia. They were considered gems of victory, vitality, and divine protection. In Sanskrit, ruby is called Manikya, meaning “the gem of kings.” Indian royal families used to keep rubies as auspicious stones, symbolizing Raj Yoga (the planetary combination of power and authority). Buddhist monks in ancient Burma believed rubies carried sacred energy that could bring enlightenment and courage. To them, each ruby contained drops of the Sun’s light.
Mogok rubies were discovered as early as the 6th century and became known worldwide through trade routes connecting India, China, and Europe. The heirlooms of the British monarchy and the treasures of India’s princely states often featured Mogok rubies. These gemstones were never mass-mined; instead, they were recovered by local miners using traditional techniques. Each stone had a story, a personality, and an element of rarity that made it felt alive. Even today, antique jewelry featuring Old Burma rubies sells for astronomical prices in auctions because collectors believe that such stones not only sparkle but also hold energy unmatched by modern gems.
The Difference Between Natural and Treated Rubies
In the current gemstone market, the demand for rubies far exceeds the natural supply. This has led to the widespread practice of “treating” rubies to enhance color and clarity. The most common treatment is heat treatment, where the gemstone is exposed to high temperatures to remove impurities or intensify the color. In some cases, lead-glass filling is done to fill cracks and improve transparency. While these treatments make the ruby look more beautiful to the eye, they reduce its metaphysical or astrological value because the stone’s natural energetic vibration is altered.
In terms of authenticity, an untreated natural ruby comes directly from the Earth and reflects the raw energy of the Sun. A treated stone, on the other hand, may carry the same appearance but lacks the same frequency of energy. Gem healers believe that the atomic structure and natural inclusions of a ruby act as conduits for solar radiation, balancing the wearer’s aura and energizing the Muladhara (Root) and Manipura (Solar Plexus) chakras. When a ruby is heat-treated or glass-filled, this natural energy flow is disrupted. That is why some people report feeling that their ruby “doesn’t work” or that it fails to bring the expected results.
The Myth of the Old Burma Ruby
The idea of an “Old Burma Ruby” is both romantic and symbolic. The term does not technically define a separate type of ruby, but rather refers to stones mined from the historic Mogok region, especially before large-scale mechanized mining began. These gems are revered for their purity, color saturation, and natural fluorescence. The “old” designation simply means that the stone came from earlier, untouched sources before human interference became excessive. However, the modern market has created confusion because many sellers misuse the phrase to inflate prices. In reality, genuine Old Burma rubies are extremely rare, and the mines that produced them are almost depleted.
A true Mogok ruby exhibits a brilliant red color even under low light, a soft glow that seems to breathe life. It often contains natural “silk”-like inclusions of rutile, which scatter light evenly across the stone, producing a velvety glow instead of a harsh sparkle. This distinctive property is what made Old Burma rubies so alluring to jewelers and spiritual seekers alike. Unfortunately, as the Mogok mines became overexploited, the availability of such gems declined dramatically.
Modern Mining and the Decline of Mogok
Over the past century, the Mogok region has undergone significant changes. Once known as the “Valley of Rubies,” it has now become an area marked by environmental degradation, over-mining, and political tension. As global demand for rubies skyrocketed, mining operations increased dramatically often without sustainable practices. Local ecosystems were disrupted, soil and water quality deteriorated, and numerous miners faced unsafe working conditions.
Greed for precious stones has always come at a cost. What was once a sacred valley abundant in natural gems has been stripped by commercial forces. In recent years, gemologists have noted that high-quality ruby production from Mogok has nearly stopped. Some small-scale miners still attempt to find remnants in the exhausted mines, but yields are meager. This depletion serves as a powerful reminder that the Earth’s treasures are finite, and our desire for luxury must be balanced with respect for nature’s limits.
The ethical and environmental costs of ruby mining extend beyond Mogok. In other parts of Myanmar and neighboring countries like Thailand, Mozambique, and Vietnam, ruby extraction continues, but often involves deforestation, water pollution, and sometimes human exploitation. The story of Mogok stands as a cautionary tale: when love for beauty turns into greed, even nature’s most divine gifts become lost.
The Beauty That Captivates the World
Despite all this, ruby remains one of the most beautiful and captivating gemstones ever discovered. Its fiery red hue symbolizes life itself the beating of the heart, the warmth of blood, the energy of sunlight. Scientifically, the gemstone derives its color from traces of chromium within the mineral corundum. The intensity of red depends on chromium concentration, while iron content influences its undertone. The interplay of these elements creates shades ranging from pinkish-red to deep crimson.
Rubies rank 9 on the Mohs scale of hardness, making them second only to diamonds in durability. This property makes them ideal for jewelry that can last generations. Whether set in gold or platinum, rubies immediately draw attention and exude royal charm. Each time light passes through a ruby, one can sense a unique vibrational energy the perfect harmony between fire and earth.
Across cultures, the ruby’s beauty is associated with emotions of love, courage, and strength. In European legends, rubies symbolized eternal flame and were believed to bring passion to lovers. In Hindu mythology, offering rubies to Lord Krishna was said to grant rebirth as an emperor. In Burmese lore, warriors believed that inserting a ruby into their flesh would make them invincible in battle. This fusion of cultural beliefs across continents reflects humanity’s collective fascination with the stone’s brilliance.
The Ruby in Vedic Astrology and Healing
In Vedic astrology, ruby corresponds to Surya (the Sun), representing leadership, vitality, honor and confidence. People with weak Sun placement in their charts manifesting as low self-esteem, health issues, or lack of recognition are often advised to wear a natural ruby to strengthen solar energy. The ideal finger for wearing a ruby is the ring finger of the right hand, embedded in gold, and worn on a Sunday morning after proper rituals.
Energetically, the ruby aligns the heart and base chakras, providing grounding while fueling motivation. It is believed to boost blood circulation, enhance decision-making power, and strengthen relationships built on respect and loyalty. Spiritually, a natural ruby radiates a high-frequency energy field that clears darkness of doubt and ignites courage to follow one’s true path. These metaphysical properties are diminished when the stone is synthetic or highly treated, as its natural elemental vibrancy is polluted.
The Rarity and Market Demand
In today’s gem market, the demand for rubies continues to surpass supply. Collectors and investors view them as secure avenues of wealth preservation because their prices have risen consistently over time. The combination of rarity, historical prestige, and emotional symbolism makes rubies more desirable than almost any colored gemstone. Burmese rubies with “pigeon’s blood” color regularly achieve record-breaking prices at auctions held by Sotheby’s and Christie’s, often surpassing even fine diamonds.
However, ruby sources have diversified. Mozambique has become the largest supplier in recent years, producing fine-quality stones that rival Burmese ones. But for purists and traditionalists, the charm of an “Old Burma Ruby” remains unmatched. The name carries not only geographic significance but also a spiritual legacy a memory of an era when every gemstone was a divine gift, not just a commodity.
Lessons from the Mogok Story
The story of Mogok rubies teaches two profound lessons. The first is about human perception of beauty. Real beauty is not in abundance but in rarity, honesty, and purity.
A natural pure ruby is unheated and ethically sourced, carries stories of geological pressure, time, and cosmic energy all beyond human control. It reminds humankind that nature’s wonders are not to be exploited but revered.
The second lesson is about the relationship between humans and the Earth. The depletion of Mogok’s mines reflects the greed that often blinds us to long-term consequences. Every mineral extracted leaves a scar, visible or unseen, upon the planet. Just as a ruby collects energy from sunlight, Earth gathers strength from harmony and care. When we take without returning, that balance breaks. Sustainability in gemstone mining is therefore not just an industrial necessity but a moral obligation.
To truly honor the ruby, humankind must adopt responsible gem sourcing and encourage recycling of old gemstones rather than fueling new exploitation. Wearing a gemstone imbued with ethical consciousness adds more meaning to its metaphysical properties. A ruby born of greed can never shine as brightly as one gifted by love and respect for nature.
Ruby is popularly known as the “Intellectual’s Stone” because it sharpens the mind, enhances concentration, and boosts self-esteem and confidence. These qualities make it especially beneficial for students preparing for exams or individuals facing public presentations. Although Ruby’s price and care make it less affordable for everyone, its popularity continues to rise due to its strong presence in spiritual healing, modern fashion, and the luxury industry. The growing appreciation for this gemstone has significantly increased its market demand. If you enjoyed this blog, share your thoughts with us.
To explore our latest gemstone collection, visit Shwasam Crystals for endless options in carvings, jewelry, and décor.