Myanmar President U Min Aung Hlaing inspected a giant rough sapphire weighing 14,300 grams (71,500 carats) and a sapphire crystal weighing 354.77 grams (1,773.85 carats) that were discovered in the renowned Mogok gemstone tract and later handed over to the State.

The exceptionally large and rare sapphire specimens were found in Mogok, Myanmar, in 2020. President U Min Aung Hlaing examined the gemstones on the morning of June 14 at the Presidential Office in Nay Pyi Taw.

The inspection was attended by Vice Presidents U Nyo Saw and Daw Nan Ni Ni Aye, Speaker of the Pyithu Hluttaw U Khin Yi, Speaker of the Amyotha Hluttaw U Aung Lin Dwe, Union Minister for the President’s Office U Khin Maung Yi, Deputy Minister for Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation U Khin Lat Gyi, and other officials.

Officials briefed the President and attendees on the characteristics and significance of the rough sapphire and sapphire crystal before they were formally examined.

According to officials, the sapphire’s size makes it an exceptionally rare find. A previous large rough sapphire weighing 11,877 grams (59,385 carats) was discovered in 2009. The newly inspected sapphire, weighing 14,300 grams (71,500 carats), surpasses that record. The gemstone is described as a deep blue, natural, untreated sapphire with a slightly translucent appearance.