Wyoming is a state with a low population and it has not been explored to the same degree that many of the surrounding states. The Palmer Canyon and Wind River Mountains are two areas where rubies naturally occur in Wyoming, and there are likely many other areas that have undiscovered deposits. Most gem-grade corundum, which rubies are made of, occur in metamorphic rocks like schist or gneiss, and in igneous rocks like basalt or syenite. Both rubies and sapphires have been found in Wyoming.
The United States has also documented some notable ruby finds. These are placer deposits that have been recovered from the rivers in the region. Gold, ruby and sapphire can also be found near Gloucester, in the drainage of the Barrington volcano. In Australia, rubies can be found in New South Wales, in the Macquarie and Cudgegong Rivers, Tumbarumba and the New England area. These are highly prized by gem collectors. Macedonian rubies are quite unique, since their hue is very similar to a raspberry. In Europe, rubies naturally occur only in Macedonia, which is why the Macedonian coat of arms boasts the red gem. Rubies can also be found on other continents including Australia, Europe and North America. However, the rubies from Kenya and Tanzania are not as likely to produce facet-grade material as compared to those discovered in Mozambique. In 2002, the Waseges River in Kenya unearthed several loose rubies. This deposit is said to be one of the most significant recent ruby discoveries in the world. Montepuez, the second largest city in Cabo Delgado in Mozambique was the site of a large natural cache of rubies discovered in 2009. Rubies are unearthed predominantly in Eastern Africa, in countries like Tanzania, Kenya and Mozambique. Some say that Africa may be the next ruby hotspot. The rich ruby mines of the past centuries are not what they once were, and prospectors continue their search for new exciting discoveries. While Asia is typically thought of as the world’s primary supplier of rubies, the better deposits are being worked out. Sri Lanka in particular produces a very light shade of ruby, often called “pink sapphires”. In recent years, Myanmar’s Mong Hsu area and Namyazeik in the central and northern reaches of the country have emerged as the new mining hub for rubies.Īpart from Myanmar, these beautiful gemstones can be found in many countries in Asia, such as Japan, Cambodia, Nepal, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam and Pakistan. In the upper region of the country, the Mogok Valley was home to a huge natural supply of the gemstone which dwindled over time. Rubies range from blood-red to a light pink, with the deeper-hued gems of high clarity being the most valuable.įor many years, Myanmar was the world’s primary ruby supplier. This precious stone is made from corundum, a mineral composed of aluminum, oxygen, and trace amounts of chromium, which is responsible for its unique red hue. There’s just something so fascinating about the glimmer of nature’s jewels, and amongst all of them, the ruby is surely one of the most prized!Īs one of the traditional cardinal gems, rubies have been heralded for their beauty and rarity even in ancient times.