Gem Gravel, Mogok Myanmar

Mogok Gem Gravel Mix from Burma, consisting primarily of Spinel in a wonderful assortment of pinks, reds, purples and lavender. Other gem species are present and could include Garnet, Ruby and Sapphire.

These small stones are recovered from gem-bearing gravels known locally as byon. Miners wash the gravel in large, round bamboo baskets, much like panning for gold, separating the heavier gemstones from the surrounding sand and gravel. A traditional method still used in Mogok today.