My Burma Myanmar gemstones :)

[Burmesedaze]

Dinner and the awesome view from their balcony.

Kingbridge hotel. Foreigners are only allowed to stay in hotels and motels here. No homestay.

 

[Burmesedaze]

Morning view from the hotel in glorious 16 degree Celsius weather.

 

[Burmesedaze]

 

[Burmesedaze]

At the star sapphire cutter's home.

 

[Burmesedaze]

Most of the mines have closed with the permits ending. Rough is hard to get.

 

[Burmesedaze]

 

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[Burmesedaze]

Lunchtime

 

[mellowyellowgirl]

@Burmesedaze that big pink one is gorgeous!!!!

Loving the updates! Thank you for posting them!

 

[Burmesedaze]

Off to the ruby mine.

Blue flecks are sapphire found with the ruby in marble matrix

 

[Burmesedaze]

Win Taya mine whose permit has ended. Natural cave.

 

[Burmesedaze]

At the Penta 5 ruby mine.

 

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Next stop. Baw Mar mine where sapphires are found in limestone.

 

[Burmesedaze]

Specimens at Baw Mar mine and kids panning on a Sunday.

I bought the lot of gravel from them for US$10.

 

[Burmesedaze]

More shots at Baw Mar.

 

[Burmesedaze]

 

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At a Lissu village nearby.

The hut is made from earth and grass on a bamboo frame and is warm inside in the cold weather.


Lissu tribe kids in their tribal wear

 

[Burmesedaze]

Hotpot and bbq alfresco and serenaded by miners by day and guitarists/singers by night.

 

[Burmesedaze]

To listen to the awesome guys

 

[Burmesedaze]

A longer song

 

[ChaiK]

How lovely, to see a human perspective of the gem trade.

 

[Burmesedaze]

How lovely, to see a human perspective of the gem trade.

The miners in these mines are treated very well. House, vehicle, full medical and education benefits for the family. Profit sharing from sales too. Everyone looks happy.

 

[Burmesedaze]

Other mines shun handicapped employees thinking they bring bad luck. These mines hire them.

 

[clumberlove]

Most of the mines have closed with the permits ending. Rough is hard to get.

Do you know how they can tell from the rough which ones will produce a star? It's so interesting to see "behind the scenes" like that!

 

[Burmesedaze]

Do you know how they can tell from the rough which ones will produce a star? It's so interesting to see "behind the scenes" like that!

Yes they can. Basically the inclusions give the star. Not all mines will produce.

The Mogok natives even know from the soil colour what gems can be found in each section!

 

[Bluegemz]

Thanks for taking us along on your trip what an amazing and unique experience! I would love to go digging myself . The Ground looks so full of promise. One cannot get away from nature in such an endeavor. Though I admit, I admire the courage of miners who ventur deep into the mountains! How frightening.

Sigh..those stars! I adore those cherry blossom pink and red ones! They seem hard to find and I’m curious about how common they are. Are they popular there?

Seeing the star rubies actually makes me kinda heart sick. I’m still waiting for mine and I’m starting to wonder if maybe they aren’t meant to be for me. Then I think I need to keep faith...what a trip.

Anyway, did you end up purchasing any of the gems?

 

[clumberlove]

Yes they can. Basically the inclusions give the star. Not all mines will produce.

The Mogok natives even know from the soil colour what gems can be found in each section!

I see, I guess it's just a question of experience. It's good to know that these mines benefit everyone, not just the owners. Is there a reason the permits have ended for most of the mines?